My thanks, again, to C.W. for her patience and never ending encouragement.

The characters in the story that follows are completely fictional. Any similarity to anyone walking the face of this earth is purely coincidental. Although I had my secret crushes, this story is merely a figment of my imagination. Yes, you will find sex between two women in this story…so read on!

Feedback welcome…midnitenyx@aol.com

A Chance Encounter

By Ronica Black

"Damn it." She turned off the engine and reached around her seat for her umbrella. "If I miss this flight I'll never forgive myself." She had exactly twenty five minutes to get checked in and on the plane. The storm had turned a normally thirty minute drive to the airport, into an hour drive, causing Rachel's anxiety to soar. She could feel her blood pounding in her temples and her hands were stiff from gripping the steering wheel while driving in the storm.

With adrenaline still fueling her fire, she grabbed her luggage and ran like a mad woman across the wet parking lot and into the damp smelling airport. With a trembling hand, she wiped the slight mist from her face and headed over to the British Airways counter to check in. Luckily, the line at the counter was relatively short, with only three people ahead of her. Wanting to speed up the process, she dug in her bag for two forms of I.D. and a copy of her electronic ticket. She moved ahead in line and prayed that somehow she would still make the flight.

A slim man in a navy jacket and matching striped tie motioned her forward and greeted her with a smile. She handed him her I.D and ticket and watched as his fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes intensely focused on the monitor. She looked at his name tag and noted that his name was Nigel and she wondered if he was from the U.K.

He looked up briefly and snapped on the paper destination tags onto the handles of her bags. Rachel's heart leapt, knowing this was a good sign that she may make her flight after all.

Nigel, sensing her anxiety, smiled reassuringly at her.

"No need to worry Ms. Owen, your flight has been delayed due to the storm. They are just now boarding." Rachel nearly collapsed with relief and she smiled at the man who spoke with a strong British accent. "I'll call ahead to the gate, to let them know you are on your way." He continued typing and then swiftly he slipped her ticket into a thick British Airways envelope and handed it to her, along with her I.D.

"Thank you so much. You're an angel." She gleamed at him as she took her ticket and slung her carry on over her shoulder.

Nigel winked at her as he picked up the phone to make the call to the gate. Rachel headed off, determined to make it to her gate quickly.

It took her ten minutes to get through security and she noted that it was probably a world record and that someone, somewhere wanted her to make this flight. Racing ahead to the gate, she again went over the importance of this trip to England. She had been planning it for years, wanting to venture to the British Isles since she was a child. And it felt like a much deserved reward after her stress filled divorced from her husband Kyle the year before. Telling Kyle she was leaving him and uprooting her life had not been easy. He was a good man for the most part and he didn't deserve to be hurt. But he also couldn't give her what she truly wanted and needed. She craved passion, intrigue, sensuality, and the powerful desire for another. She knew it was time to find those qualities and she knew that only a woman could give them to her. Coming to terms with her sexuality had been a great relief to her, and this trip signified her new felt freedom.

Grateful to finally see the gate, she approached, slightly out of breath and handed the gate attendant her ticket. The woman smiled.

"You just made it Ms. Owen."

She let out a sigh of relief and continued down the jetway leading onto the plane. Her leather Rockport's were wet from the rain and they made strange noises on the carpeted walkway. Suddenly self conscious, she eyed her white Banana republic T-shirt and faded jeans. She smoothed her shirt with her palm, thankful that it was only slightly damp.

The smell of the plane slammed into her like an invisible force field as she stepped onboard. Whether it be the recycled air, or the strong scent of jet fuel, every commercial plane seemed to smell the same to her.

"Good evening." Another strong smell hit her nose. The perky flight attendant was wearing too much perfume. Rachel was good with scent, and she knew this woman had put on a little too much Tresor after her shower this morning. The happy and overly scented woman quickly showed Rachel to her seat where she hurriedly placed her carry on bag in the overhead bin.

Rachel thanked her and briefly took in her surroundings. She was thankful her seat was on the side of the plane where there were only two seats per row, rather than the center, where there were ten and the people seemed to be packed in like sardines. Breathing a sigh of relief at finally having made it, she eased gratefully down into the oversized, gray leather seat customary to business class.

"Hello Rachel." She looked over, startled to hear her name. Sitting next to her in the window seat was the last person in the world she expected to see.

Ms. Roth.

Her former high school English teacher sat smiling at her and for a brief moment Rachel was completely speechless.

Aside from being her teacher, mentor and friend, this woman, now sitting next to her, had also been the object of Rachel's desire since she had first laid eyes on her at age sixteen. Rachel felt her face flush and her pulse quicken as she looked at the woman. Ms. Roth looked better than ever with her dark hair cut short and stylish, different than the last time Rachel had seen her. Rachel couldn't decide if she looked more sporty or sophisticated, but settled with the fact that only a woman as beautiful as Ms. Roth could pull off both. Rachel swallowed hard as she looked into the marble-like hazel eyes. They were always a captivating mixture of green and browns and Rachel found herself getting lost in their mesmerizing swirl of color.

The plane jerked briefly as it backed away from gate, bringing Rachel back from the depths of Ms. Roth's eyes.

"Ms. Roth, uh hi." The words jumbled out her mouth like a fury of small bouncing balls. She couldn't catch or control them, rendering her completely helpless. Simply saying the woman's name slammed her back to adolescence and the overwhelming feelings that accompanied it. "What are you doing here?" She asked as the bouncing balls she called words continued to jump out of her mouth. She nervously fastened her seat-belt as the plane continued to taxi and she realized relaxation would be more than difficult to find on this flight.

"I'm going to London, aren't you?" Ms. Roth said humorously. "Because if you aren't, then you're on the wrong plane." She let out that throaty laugh of hers, the laugh that always gave a sixteen- year old Rachel butterflies. "And call me Linda. I think you're old enough to do that now, don't you?"

Rachel couldn't take her eyes off her. She knew she was staring but she couldn't help herself. The way her midnight hair contrasted against her olive skin, lightly tanned from a summer of leisure, it left Rachel's mind spinning. She let her gaze drift down over her petite and incredibly fit body. The jeans and white silk shirt fit her nicely and Rachel's eyes lingered on bare tanned chest where the buttoned shirt ended and rested on full breasts. Rachel's insides ignited with desire and she tore her eyes away and hastily looked up and down the aisle of the plane. Suddenly feeling the need to escape, she wondered if it was too late to get off the plane. She could take the next flight to London, she didn't mind waiting. She saw the flight attendants fold down their seats and slide into their shoulder harnesses.

It was too late. She was stuck on the plane.

She looked around, wondering if she could trade seats with someone. She would do anything to get away from the woman seated next to her. She knew if she didn't run far and fast, then she would have to give in to her desire. And her desire was powerful and potent, causing her to want to crawl up inside the woman. She desperately needed to feel her from the inside, to inhale her, to curl up in her soul as if it were a warm blanket, shielding Rachel from the cold harsh wind of the world.

"Are you ok?" Linda was watching her, concern etched in her forehead.

Rachel cleared her throat, feeling embarrassed and exposed. She rubbed her face and willed the adrenaline in her veins to slow enough for her to explain her odd behavior.

"I, uh, just didn't expect to see anyone I knew for the next few weeks." Immediately, she regretted saying the words and she clasped her forehead in disgust. She certainly didn't want Linda to think she was disappointed in seeing her.

"Oh, well I'm glad you're here." Linda added a bit nervous and unsure. She rubbed her palms on her jeans. "I haven't seen you in while. How have you been?" She looked over at Rachel with friendly anticipation.

They had kept in touch for a short time after Rachel had graduated, but slowly life had prevailed and they had lost touch. Rachel realized it had been at least five years since she had last seen her. Linda softly placed her hand on Rachel's sending sparks through the younger woman. Rachel's heart pumped with a vengeance even though she knew that Linda had always been very physical when conversing with people she cared about. The touch was sincere and caring and Rachel knew it was purely platonic on Linda's behalf. But she found herself affected by warmth of her touch just the same.

"I've been good." Rachel managed to get the words out as the monitors on the seatbacks flickered with life.

Linda gave her hand a brief squeeze before removing it and they both watched the video instructional on flight safety. The screens soon blackened and Rachel watched as Linda unwrapped a piece of red gum and folded it into her mouth.

"Want a piece?" She asked as she chewed and offered Rachel the red pack of gum.

Rachel took a piece with a thankful smile and she instantly enjoyed the flood of cinnamon on her taste buds. She leaned back against her seat as she felt the plane pick up speed for takeoff. Takeoff had always been her favorite part of flying. She loved feeling the plane cruise down the runway at high speed.

They both chewed their gum in silence as the plane left the ground and climbed into the darkening sky. The thick, black storm clouds seemed to be moving off into the distance, with far off flashes of lightning ricocheting from cloud to cloud.

The plane evened out and the monitors once again flickered to life showing a satellite view of the plane over North America. Arrows mapped out the projected flight pattern and their estimated travel time was shown at the bottom of the screen. Every few minutes the plane on the screen would jump to the next arrow as they flew closer and onward toward their destination. Rachel was hypnotized by the technology and the thought that she could literally watch their flight as it was happening. To her dismay, the screen switched from the satellite map to brief movie previews and various other channels. Flight attendants flooded the aisles, passing out headphones to those who wished to watch something other than the satellite map. Linda gratefully took a pair, but Rachel passed, having seen the three movies they were showing.

"Are you afraid to fly?" Linda asked softly. "You seemed a little nervous before we took off."

Rachel mentally chided herself at the way she had behaved. She shook her head softly, knowing it was simpler to claim a fear of flying than it was to explain her real feelings.

"A little bit." That much was true enough. Sometimes she did harbor some fear when she flew, but it never would have caused her to act as erratically as she had today.

"Can I get you ladies something to drink?" A flight attendant stood smiling at Rachel; her hand resting on the top of the chair, her other clasping several neatly folded newspapers.

"No thank you." Rachel replied, her stomach way too tight to handle liquid.

Linda politely declined as well, happy to continue to chew her gum.

"Would you care for a newspaper? New York Times, London Times, Wall Street Journal?" The flight attendant asked, holding the three papers before her.

Rachel politely took the London Times, thinking it a good idea to catch up on the local news before she arrived in England. But when she looked over at Linda, she knew she would be lucky if she could concentrate on the paper at all. She slid the paper into the pocket of the seat in front of her and turned to talk to the woman who meant so much to her.

"So, what takes you to London?" Rachel asked, sincerely curious. She knew from sitting in Linda's class all those years ago, that the woman held more than a fondness for the country. Maps, colorful posters and personal photos had adorned the classroom walls. British literature was more than just a passion for her; it was a way of life.

Rachel reclined her seat, determined to relax.

"I take a trip every summer." She reclined her seat to match Rachel's. "This year I'm cutting my stay in half because I had to spend the majority of the summer teaching summer school."

"Bummer." Rachel said shaking her head.

"Yeah, you're telling me." Linda crossed her arms over her chest. "Two months of remedial English to a bunch of kids who would rather kill each other than read a single sentence."

"Sounds rough, too bad they didn't know how lucky they were to have you." Rachel said the words confidently, meaning every word. She would've given anything to spend an extra few months with Ms. Roth when she was sixteen. Linda had been an extraordinary teacher and Rachel had looked forward to her class each and every day.

"Ahhh, I wouldn't go that far. I just get spoiled teaching advanced students. I don't know what to do with the ones that see learning as a chore; it makes teaching seem like a chore as well." She looked over at Rachel and gave her a warm smile. "But enough about me, where's that husband of yours?"

Rachel cringed slightly at the question. Although Linda had never met her ex husband she did know about the marriage.

"We divorced about a year ago." She said the words softly, suddenly very uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Linda seemed uncomfortable as well.

"It's ok. It just didn't work out." She was careful to leave out the main reason why. She wasn't sure how Linda would react to the news of her sexuality, especially since she felt as she did towards the woman.

"Aren't you married?" Rachel decided to change the focus of the conversation. She had always been curious about Linda's personal life, but she had never been able to get much information from her.

"No." Linda replied.

"Really? I was always sure that you were married." Rachel was more than a little surprised. She distinctly remembered Linda wearing a diamond on her left ring finger. She remembered because she had spent countless class periods wondering what her husband was like and whether or not he knew how lucky he was.

"No, I've never been married."

"But you wore a ring…" Rachel stopped herself and blushed profusely at her words. She suddenly realized that the ring could've signified many things, including a gay relationship. She felt the surge of desire creeping back, tightening her chest and spreading to her limbs.

"You mean the diamond?" Linda asked, fingering the bare finger where it once rested. "I was exclusive with someone for a few years, but it ended awhile back."

The words burned in Rachel's ears as the possibility of Linda being gay swam in her mind. Thinking of Linda with a man had annoyed her, but thinking about her with a woman brought on a lethal combination of fascination and jealousy. But the possibility of Linda being gay seemed farfetched and wishful on her part. She shook the thought from her mind, convincing herself it was only her fantastic mind leading her on.

"I'm sorry, it's none of my business, I shouldn't have said anything,"

"I don't mind, we're both adults now." She gave Rachel a slight elbow, trying to get her to relax a little.

Rachel sat in silence, the entire situation seeming very surreal to her. She couldn't have dreamt this up in a million years.

Linda sensed the unusual tension in the air and she tried to continue the conversation.

"Is this your first trip to England?" She asked curiously. The conversation had floated back to neutral ground and Rachel felt a little more at ease.

"Yes."

"That's great!" Linda exclaimed, truly excited. She turned in her seat, trying to face Rachel. "You're going to love it."

They spent the next hour talking about England and the various sights to see and places to go. Linda was more than knowledgeable and she filled Rachel in on little known places and destinations that Rachel wouldn't find in any brochure.

Eventually, Rachel found that she was talking more than Linda. Even though she craved any information she could get about Linda, she could never seem to get much out of her.

Having talked for awhile, they were both content to read in silence. Rachel gave Linda half of her newspaper and she watched as Linda unfolded it and quietly read. The woman continued to be mysterious and intriguing, revealing little about her personal life.

If she was dating now, Rachel didn't want to know about it, especially if she was straight. She knew men couldn't love her like she deserved. Yet if she was straight, Rachel thought how incredible it would be to be the first woman to make love to her. She closed her eyes and thought of gently touching her face and feeling the warmth of her skin. She could take Linda places she had never been and would never want to return from.

As she leaned her seat back to full recline to sleep, Rachel tried to put the thoughts out of her mind, thinking they would only lead to disappointment. Linda had never shown an intimate interest in her. And currently, she viewed Rachel as a former student, nothing more. Even so, Rachel still found that she was unable to control her intense attraction towards the woman.

Rachel dozed off and dreamt deeply of high school.

She sat poised, in her desk towards the back of the class, taking in Ms. Roth as she read Shakespeare passionately to the class. She took in her power with words and she watched the petite woman walk dramatically back and forth, up and down the rows of desks, book in hand. She felt a warmness spread throughout her body and wanted to stay in the desk forever, listening to the sultry voice carry her to a world filled of romance, passion and desire. The voice was hypnotizing, seductive and sexy, playing with the ears of a sixteen year old girl, melting her in her desk. She focused, through the haze of desire, on the body carrying the voice. Ms. Roth leaned against her desk, book in hand, wearing a short navy skirt and a silk blouse the color of vanilla, which contrasted sharply with her black hair. Leaning forward in her desk, she tried to get closer to her. She closed her eyes and strained forward, reaching out to her, only able to catch her scent. The wonderful scent of musk and lavender filled her nostrils like an electric current. The captivating power of the mysterious perfume was so real and so close, she could almost taste it.

"Rachel. Rachel, wake up." The voice seemed to beckon her from afar. She stirred slightly at the soft voice whispering her name. She opened her eyes and found Linda leaning in close with her hand resting on Rachel's shoulder. Rachel sat up in her seat and realized that the scent of Linda in her dream was indeed real. She found it lingering in the air that she breathed, causing a quick change in her heart rate. A blanket was draped across her and Rachel realized Linda must've covered her up.

"I thought you might want to eat." Linda said, unsure of waking her.

Rachel glanced down the narrow aisle and saw the flight attendants wheeling a food cart slowly up the aisle, dispensing food to those who wanted it.

"Yeah, thanks for waking me." She said reassuringly. She glanced at her watch and realized there were still three more hours to go in the flight. Sighing heavily, she unfastened her seatbelt and stood next to her seat and stretched. Linda looked up at her from the small paperback she was now reading, letting her eyes briefly linger over the stretching body. Rachel rubbed her eyes, too drowsy to notice.

She walked carefully up the aisle to the lavatory where she splashed her face with cold water and massaged her temples. She looked at herself in the tiny mirror, unsure she would be able to handle the last few hours of the flight with Linda. She was sitting so close, her scent so strong, driving Rachel crazy. It was taking all her strength not to jump the woman right there on the plane.

I've got to calm down and get control of myself…this is madness.

She exited the lavatory and walked back to her seat.

"Feel better?" The older woman asked, somewhat concerned.

Rachel shook her head and smiled, trying hard to regain her composure. She re-fastened her seatbelt and glanced at the drink cart coming down the narrow aisle. The flight attendant stopped and applied the brakes to the cart. She leaned in over Rachel to get Linda's order.

Thankful, that this attendant didn't apply too much perfume, Rachel grinned up at her. The brunette attendant poured Linda's diet coke into a plastic cup and returned Rachel's smile.

"What can I get for you?" She beamed at Rachel with her pale hand resting on Rachel's shoulder. The woman was attractive and Rachel enjoyed her British accent, but she just didn't set off any sparks in her.

"I'll have a vodka on the rocks please," she said looking the flight attendant right in the eye.

She handed Rachel her small glass bottle of vodka and a plastic cup full of ice. Leaning over slightly, the flight attendant softly said,

"You know, you have the most amazing eyes. They're brilliant, I've never seen any that shade of green before." She stood, her eyes never wavering from Rachel's.

"Thanks." Rachel finally managed. She was completely thrown and she wriggled in her seat.

"My pleasure." She smiled seductively and continued to move her squeaky cart forward on to the next row of passengers.

Rachel poured her vodka over the ice and began swishing the cup around, hoping, praying it would cool off faster. She could feel that her face was flushed with embarrassment at the flight attendant's flirtatious words. She never had been able to take compliments well, especially one laced with such obvious interest while Linda sat right next to her. Rachel took a shaky sip of her vodka and saw Linda glance behind them over their seats to where the flirtatious flight attendant now stood. She then turned back around and leaned in towards Rachel, their shoulders touching as if she were about to tell a secret.

"Rachel." She said in hushed tone. Rachel looked at her and waited for her to continue, curious as to what she was up to. "That woman was flirting with you." She whispered in an excited tone.

"What?" Rachel continued to stir her drink, completely shocked by the comment and she refused to look at her for fear that the word LESBIAN would now be flashing on her own forehead like a giant neon sign. "No way, she was just being nice." She sipped her drink, carefully trying to downplay the whole scene, her free hand rubbing her forehead just in case.

"Yes Rachel, she was flirting with you." Linda continued oblivious to how nervous the situation made Rachel. "All that stuff about your eyes, and the way she touched you. That woman wants you." Linda sipped her diet coke and looked intently at Rachel waiting for a response.

Rachel gulped again at the last of her vodka. Her mind was beginning to swim as her heart pumped the alcohol through her veins. She looked at Linda thankful that the alcohol had finally taken affect and shrugged her shoulders.

"So what if she was flirting with me?" Rachel proclaimed unsure as to what else to say. She leaned back in her chair and waited for Linda's response, after all, she hadn't started this. Linda seemed to be momentarily taken aback as she struggled for words.

"I don't know, I just thought it was interesting."

Rachel, finally beginning to relax, was suddenly very eager to test the waters with Linda.

"What was so interesting about her flirting with me?"

Linda squirmed in her seat, searching Rachel's face for some sort of clue as to what she should say.

"Nothing, I guess. I just thought it was crazy how she did it so blatantly. What if you were to take offense to that sort of thing and get angry? Or what if you and I were together? I am sitting right here next to you, and it's obvious we know each other."

Surprised by her statement, Rachel sat up. "Trust me Linda; she knows we're not together. She knows you are not my lover."

"How could she know that?" Linda finished off her diet coke and stuffed the napkin down in her cup.

Rachel's insides churned, and she felt heat rising once again to flush her cheeks. The question was loaded and Rachel decided not to answer. There were only two reasons as to why Linda was so curious. And both involved Rachel revealing her sexuality and she wasn't sure she would be able to hide her attraction towards Linda.

"Well?" Linda was persisting.

Rachel's heart thudded in her chest and her mind swam with vodka. She looked at Linda and took in her captivating beauty. Her hands were petite and powerful, with strong lean fingers and closely trimmed nails. The white silk of her shirt showed off her warm colored skin and Rachel could make out the lace of her bra beneath the thin material. Her only jewelry was a single platinum band worn on her middle finger and a platinum watch worn loosely on her left wrist. Rachel noticed the smoothness of her swan neck and she longed to kiss the back of it where her midnight hair came to rest on the olive skin. She longed to kiss her neck and whisper in her perfectly shaped ear which held two diamond earrings in its lobe, sparkling at Rachel, almost taunting her to put them in her mouth.

Rachel was feeling good now, and this was her one and only chance. She decided to shake things up a bit and put Linda on the spot.

"Are you jealous Linda?" she asked, more confidently than she felt

Linda looked up suddenly, directly at Rachel.

"What do you mean?" She managed to say, obviously flustered.

"Are you jealous of that woman flirting with me? Did it upset you that she made the assumption that you and I are not together?"

Rachel sat poised, waiting for a response. Linda didn't flinch, she just sat and stared.

"No, I'm not jealous." She ran a nervous hand through her black mane. "She has every right to find you attractive. I just thought she was unprofessional. She should wait until she's not working. Other than that, I have no problem with her. She does seem rather polite and energetic. And she certainly likes you." The last sentence was left lingering in the air, as if she was waiting for Rachel to take the bait.

Rachel smiled at Linda the way she smiles at other women, women she meets and finds attractive. She gave her a sincere, yet seductive smile. She felt confident; all fear of rejection or of the unknown was out the window. The vodka was working miracles.

"I'm not interested in the flight attendant." She announced matter of factly and

Linda shook her head as if she understood.

"I didn't think so but you reacted really well. I know people who would freak if someone of the same sex hit on them."

Rachel thought carefully, and decided to continue pushing the envelope with Linda.

"I thought she was cute with that accent and all, but she just didn't do it for me. She's not my type."

Rachel watched Linda swallow the information, only showing surprise for a split second.

"What is your type Rachel?" The question was asked softly and deliberately. It's meaning rang loud in Rachel's ears, the answer screaming in her head.

YOU.

But before she could say anything aloud, they were interrupted by dinner. The male flight attendant was friendly and completely oblivious to what he had just interrupted. Rachel swallowed hard, the entire moment seeming very unbelievable to her. Linda sat in silence as well, examining her hands in her lap.

The flight attendant continued his questioning, offering them their choice of grilled salmon or chicken. Rachel could stomach neither, so she asked for some water, which she sipped at slowly, nervously chewing on her red stir straw in-between. The monitor on the seat back in front of her showed the plane's position just over Greenland. They had flown North over Canada and the longest leg of the journey was coming to an end as Greenland approached. It wouldn't be long now before they arrived in London and Rachel could get some much needed fresh air and away from the intoxicating scent of Linda's perfume.

Rachel leaned her seat back and intently watched as Linda ate her dinner. Every bite Linda took in, the fork slipped slowly in and out of the thin, rich colored lips, causing Rachel to wriggle in her seat. Frustrated with wanting to be the fork, Rachel stood up and maneuvered her bag out of the overhead bin. She dug out her discman and sat down, placing the headphones over her ears. She leaned back and plugged into Lenny Kravitz, hoping it would distract her from the incredible woman sitting right next to her.

The sultry beat of romance and longing poured into Rachel's ears and fueled her fire. She kept her eyes closed and imagined she was in the Caribbean, lounging in the sun, letting it warm her body, reflecting the clear green water with her eyes.

Rachel opened her eyes as she sensed the interior lights go off in the plane, the sun having set long behind them in the west. Darkness filled the cabin, with the exception of scattered reading lamps illuminated by a handful of passengers. Linda had finished eating and she eased her seat back and turned to face Rachel.

"What are you listening to?" Even though it was said softly, Rachel could still hear the words said so close to her ears.

"Lenny Kravitz. Do you like his music?" Rachel was curious to know her taste in music.

"Yeah, I do." She smiled warmly at Rachel, causing more lightning bolts to strike her loins.

"Here…" Rachel took Linda's headphones provided by the plane and plugged them into her Discman. "You can listen with me."

They both leaned back in their seats and let the music move them. Rachel felt the sounds radiate through her whole body. Every cell in her body awakened with the sound waves, causing her to wonder if Linda felt the same. Knowing that the woman was listening to same music, caused Rachel to feel somewhat intimately connected to her.

"What are you thinking?" Linda asked softly, leaning in to her.

"About music." Rachel said, gathering up her nerve. "About it's power to move people, to connect them, to help them voice their feelings."

She sat back carefully and closed her eyes, afraid of the words she had just said.

Linda pulled her blanket up and draped half over Rachel. She eased back and rested her head on Rachel's shoulder.

Rachel's head was swimming, and her heart pounding. She couldn't believe how good it felt to feel this woman on her. She breathed in deep the scent of her hair, and once again closed her eyes, relishing the moment.

Feeling almost faint with desire, Rachel reached under the blanket, wanting to touch the woman, almost to see if she was indeed real. The movement startled Linda and Rachel panicked and began to pull away.

Linda looked at her and said softly, "It's OK" and she took Rachel's hand and held it warmly in her lap. She began touching her hand, lightly gliding her fingers over Rachel's.

Rachel shivered in response and clasped her legs firmly together as the pressure between them began to build.

Linda held their hands up, pressing her hand up against Rachel's, comparing the sizes of their hands.

"You have really nice hands, really long fingers." Linda stated, her voice tainted with sensuality. She had removed her headphones and Rachel did the same, pulling them down to rest around her neck.

Rachel swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry.

"It's amazing how your hands represent your whole body." Linda continued, this time locking her hazel eyes with Rachel's light green ones.

Rachel wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't sure what was happening. Fantasy and reality were beginning to merge, causing the once clear boundaries to mesh into a web of wanton. She could feel herself blushing and she was convinced the whole plane could see the desire written all over her face.

"Linda," Rachel whispered, her voice hoarse and tight.

Linda placed Rachel's hand in-between hers in her lap and began lightly stroking her palm. Rachel took in a long raspy breath as she felt each tantalizing stroke of Linda's soft fingers on her palm.

She closed her eyes and was suddenly overtaken with the image of Linda crawling onto her lap, straddling her, and rocking slowly as she kissed Rachel deeply. Reality came rushing back when she opened her eyes and watched as Linda lifted her hand up to her mouth. Linda's breath was hot and moist as she brushed Rachel's hand across her luring lips. Rachel quivered and she leaned in closely to Linda's ear, inhaling her scent.

"Linda, I realize I've had some vodka and I may be a little buzzed." Rachel paused playing with her breath on Linda's ear. She felt Linda tense in response and she squeezed her hand to regain control. Liking her reaction, Rachel continued in her ear. "Linda, am I drunk or are you coming on to me?"

Silence filled the sexually charged air between them. Linda glanced down Rachel's hand and continued her sensual assault, lightly running her fingers across the sensitive palm. She bit her lower lip in a nervous gesture and Rachel knew the answer without a word being said.

She squeezed her hand in silent reassurance.

"Because if you are, that flight attendant will be heart broken." Rachel added trying to ease the tense filled moment.

Linda began to laugh quietly, a sign of relief flashing across her face.

The cabin lights began to flicker as their approach to London neared.

Linda continued smiling and she whispered in Rachel's ear. "If I were coming on to you, would I be more your type than the flight attendant?"

Rachel gulped once again, surprised at the gamut of emotions the woman elicited in her.

"I'm going to say this once, regardless of the consequences." She looked deep into beautiful hazel eyes. "You are THE type." She whispered, choked up from the emotion in having said them. "I have never in my life wanted someone the way I want you. Just when I finally stop thinking about you every second of every day, you pop back into my life and make me feel like I'm sixteen again. I can't ignore it anymore. This is who I am and I'm burning up inside with wanting you."

Linda stared back at Rachel, transfixed by her words. She held tightly to Rachel's hand and her mouth began to move, but no words came out. Her lip trembled and she licked at them nervously.

The lights came completely on, illuminating the cabin, seemingly spotlighting the private world in which Rachel had just confessed. They quickly re-positioned themselves in their seats, reclaiming their own hands, forced back into a reality that refused to understand. Rachel felt her chest tighten and her insides knot at the break in connection.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our final decent into London Heathrow airport. Please fasten your seatbelts and make sure all seat backs are forward and all electronic equipment has been put away."

The satellite map on the monitor showed the plane over England and reported rainy skies and cool weather.

The women sat motionless, the air still charged between them.

"Rachel?" Linda asked her tone soft and purring.

"Yes?"

"Where are you staying?"

Once again, Linda reached for her hand, this time uncaring who saw.

Countless possibilities raced through the younger woman's mind as she contemplated her answer.

"I've got a room reserved in London. I plan on doing a lot of sightseeing and photography."

"Of course. This being your first trip, you'll want to see all the sights." She paused briefly. "I don't suppose you need a tour guide? Someone who's been to London countless times and who's…"

"Incredibly sexy?" Rachel finished for her with a lop sided grin.

Linda smiled and bit her lower lip at the comment.

"Absolutely, a tour guide would be great." Rachel continued, finding Linda's modesty irresistibly charming. "Where are you staying?"

"A little bed and breakfast outside of London. You would love it. The countryside is breathtaking and the owner's are friends of mine. In fact, why don't come with me and check it out?"

Oh my. Rachel thought to herself as the reality of her fantasy loomed closer still.

"Ok, sure."

The plane landed with a few short bumps and taxied to a stop at their gate. The pair stood and stretched and readied to exit the plane. Rachel grabbed her carry on and slung it over her shoulder, while she carried Linda's with the other hand. She gave Linda a smile and motioned for her to exit the plane first.

As she watched the older woman walk, Rachel noted that Linda looked better in jeans than she could have ever imagined. Rachel had never seen her jeans until then and she looked damn good, walking with a ballerina type grace, working her way through the first mass of people exiting the plane.

They walked for what felt like miles through the airport to the baggage claim. Linda stood close to Rachel and squeezed her arm as they waited for their luggage to come into sight.

"You know, you're making a very good impression on me right now, carrying my bag and all." She was referring to her carry on, which Rachel still held.

"That's exactly what I was going for." Rachel stated as she looked down at the shorter woman. Her confidence was increasing and she felt powerful and protective next to the physically smaller woman.

They both grinned in silence at one another as they grabbed for their luggage and placed it on a cart. They wheeled their luggage together up to customs where a small woman with small hands and a small personality asked them questions as she fiercely stamped their passports.

"Are you here alone? How many bags of luggage do you have? STAMP How long are staying in England? STAMP You are not permitted to work or draw earnings."

They approached the escalator and which politely told them to "Please mind your step".

"Shall I ring for a cab?" Rachel asked in her best British accent.

Linda laughed and said "Yes, let's get out here, but you won't have to ring for one, I've already got one booked."

They walked out the door, which politely warned them to "please mind the door" and stepped out into the light rain. Linda eased her arms into a black leather jacket and went ahead to find the cab, leaving Rachel to inhale the briskly, cool English air. Gusts of sharp wind drove the rain into her face, stinging her, but by no means souring her mood. She slid into her navy jacket and huddled with her hands in her pockets and her back to the wind.

Linda waved at her and Rachel hurried over to a small black cab. The driver helped to load their bags and they climbed quickly inside. The smell of wet hair and clothes filled the small taxi. Rachel shivered from the cold, but smiled nevertheless, at the beautiful woman seated next to her.

The driver, a polite older gent who wore a tweed hat, quickly removed it and replaced it with a New York Yankees baseball cap. "There you go. A nice bit of baseball for you yanks. Might make you feel a bit more at home." He smiled a toothy smile in his rearview mirror.

"Is this your first visit to the UK?"

"No, I've been here before. And I love your country." Linda replied.

Rachel liked the man and was glad he was willing to talk. "Are you going to drive us through London?"

"I can do. It's fairly late, traffic might not be so bad."

Rachel was excited, she was about to see London for the very first time and she couldn't believe who she was seeing it with.

Rachel reached for Linda's hand and found it surprisingly warm in her own. They sat back and relaxed as the lights of London came into view.

Rachel stared, mouth agape, as Big Ben and Parliament came in to view. Just beyond that loomed an impossibly large wheel. It appeared to be an enormous Ferris wheel, larger than any Rachel could've imagined being.

"What is that?" She asked, truly mesmerized.

"That's the London Eye." The driver responded, a bit proud. "It stands about 140 meters tall, almost two of your Statues of Libertys."

"The view from the top is completely breathtaking." Linda explained. "You get an almost 360 degree view from the large capsule you ride in."

They continued to drive and, in the distance, Rachel could make out Tower Bridge. It stood proudly, brightly lit with the dark gray waters of the River Thames running beneath it. The Tower of London flanked the bridge and Rachel couldn't wait until the light of day when she would be able to tour these magnificent sights with Linda at her side. Rachel imagined kissing Linda while they sat perched, atop the London Eye. Although it was a fantasy, it no longer seemed farfetched. Rachel squeezed Linda's hand, the excitement of her journey resonating throughout her body. Linda looked at her and gave her a smile, squeezing her hand in return.

The women watched the remainder of the city go by in silence as the driver continued to talk about the various goings on in his city. He seemed to be knowledgeable of all things, including a recent bombing of Hammersmith Bridge.

Rachel listened half heartedly and she had just started to doze off in the warm cab when the driver announced their destination in east Sussex.

They climbed out of the car and stretched in front of the two story house before them. The driver helped the women with their luggage and collected his sizable fair from Linda who paid in pounds. Rachel noted that she was indeed well prepared, having English currency already on her.

Grateful at her tip he opened his door and tipped his Yankee cap. "Mind how you go."

Rachel was quickly catching on to the English sayings and phrases. She watched as Linda knocked on the door of the nice looking two- story house. It was dark and crisp outside, fresh from the rain. They were standing at a door on the side of the house, next to drive way and Rachel seized the chance to peek around into the back. A vast garden of trees, flowers and shrubbery thickened the landscape.

"They've got quite a garden." She stated, clearly impressed.

"Yes I know," said Rachel. "They have a beautiful pond too."

The door opened before them.

"HALLO Linda!" A short Asian man embraced Linda with a sudden powerfulness, lifting her off her feet. Setting her back down, he stood beaming at her. "I have missed you so much Yankee girl." His accent was thick Cantonese and he seemed truly happy to see Linda.

"I have missed you too, Wang." Linda said, smoothing his cheek with her thumb.

Wang saw Rachel and he stepped towards her, a grin spreading on his face.

"OHH, you have brought a girlfriend." He beamed at Rachel before returning his focus back to Linda. "Why did you not tell me?" He elbowed her playfully and moved to hug Rachel before Linda could explain.

"Welcome. You are most welcome." His embrace was strong, the hug completely overwhelming Rachel. He released her and grabbed both their hands, pulling them inside.

"David! Hurry yourself, Linda is here and she has a girlfriend!"

Linda looked at Rachel and shrugged as she mouthed an apology. Rachel smiled to show she understood.

They walked into the living room of the spacious house and Rachel noted that the place was immaculate, yet very cozy and comfortable. A fire burned bright in the fireplace, taking the rainy chill from the air.

David emerged from the kitchen drying his hands with a dish towel. He was tall and thin with a gentle and friendly presence about him. He smiled warmly down at Linda as he neatly folded the dishtowel and tucked it into his back pocket.

"Hallo love, so good to see you." He embraced the woman with sincere affection. His smile was sweet and his blue eyes glimmered as he looked over at Rachel.

"And who might you be? Any friend of Linda's is a friend of ours." He extended his lean arm and shook Rachel's hand warmly.

"I'm Rachel. Rachel Owen."

"Welcome, Ms. Owen. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Please, call me Rachel."

"Very well then, Rachel it is." He smiled again and Rachel found that she instantly liked the two men and their home.

"Please make yourselves comfortable." David motioned for the women to sit on the settee as he and Wang discussed the rooming arrangements. David gave Wang instructions and a quick peck on the cheek, before Wang headed off toward the bedrooms, with their bags in tow.

"I was expecting you Linda so I've got tea ready. He walked back into the kitchen and returned carrying a serving tray.

The women enjoyed their English tea with sugar and milk and Rachel found that she quite liked the tea. Wang and David chatted with them for awhile, catching up with Linda and getting to know Rachel. The large grandfather clock in the corner chimed eleven o'clock, signaling the end of their late night tea.

"Linda, Wang put your luggage in the west wing, where the two big bedrooms are and the one bath."

Linda gave him a thankful smile.

"Thank you David, that will be fine."

The women rose from the lush settee and stretched their stiff limbs.

"What time shall I have breakfast ready for you? Surely you will want to have a bit of a lie in tomorrow?" David asked before they headed off to bed.

Linda looked at Rachel, not sure what time to tell him.

"How bout 9:30?" she said shrugging her shoulders.

"Brilliant. I'll have it ready at 9:30. Sleep well."

The women headed back through the foyer and stood at the center of the house. There were two staircases, one going up to the east wing, the other going to west wing. The west wing was like a separate house altogether, with Linda opening the French door and leading the way up the stairs to their side of house.

The rooms were spacious and cozy, both containing queen sized beds and night tables. The ceilings were sloped at one side and the windows overlooked the English countryside, with one room facing the beautiful garden and pond in the back.

Linda offered the larger room to Rachel, while she took the room across the hall. Rachel stepped into her room, decorated in different shades of blue. She laughed at the framed black and white photo of nude males in embrace.

"Rachel come here!" Linda was standing in the large bathroom. "Look at that tub, it's enormous. This wasn't here the last time, they must've just put it in." "Look, it's a Jacuzzi." Rachel said, noting the small jets all along the bottom of the oversized, pink tub.

The women smiled silently at one another.

"I'll leave you to your bath then." Rachel said, noticing the black, satin robe Linda wore and more than curious as to what the nude body looked like underneath. She exited the bathroom quickly and headed back into her room where she busied herself unpacking and thinking about all the sights she wanted to see.

Some time later she heard Linda leave the bathroom and return to her room. So she grabbed her robe, along with some candles she had found in her room, and headed into the bathroom for a nice, hot bath. She plugged the drain and turned the faucet, letting the hot water fill the pink tub. As steam filled the room, Rachel placed the candles along the edge of the bath where she noticed a bottle of champagne in the corner.

She twisted it open and found it was still slightly chilled. Grabbing the plastic cups next to it, she carried the bottle to Linda's door and knocked.

The elder woman answered, wearing the satin robe and combing her wet, black hair. Rachel could smell the shampoo and soap, and she almost forgot why she knocked. Remembering suddenly, she held up the bottle.

"Thought you might like some."

Linda smiled. "Yes, thank you. I think I will have a little." Rachel poured the golden fizzy and caught a glimpse of Linda's wet skin clinging to the silk robe.

"Are you running a bath?" Linda asked.

"Yes, I am." Rachel couldn't figure out why she was asking.

"Are you going to try out those jets?"

"You bet. Didn't you?"

"No, I didn't quite know what to think. I've never seen a Jacuzzi with jets on the bottom of the tub before. So I just took a bath without messing with the jets."

"Come on, I'll show you." Rachel pulled her by the hand and led her into the bathroom. She turned the water off and pushed a button on the rim of the tub

Bubbles started to rise from the numerous tiny jets, almost like soda pop.

"I wondered the same thing when I first saw a tub like this." Rachel explained. "But it feels really, really nice." She said showing her best smile.

Linda laughed, not quite believing her.

"It does, it feels wonderful. It almost tickles." Rachel continued, wanting to convince her.

Rachel poured in a tiny bit of bubble bath she found next to the tub, knowing the jets would create a mass of bubbles if she poured in too much. She looked at Linda.

"You want to get in? Try it out?" She asked as she started untying her robe. "I'm getting in."

Linda just stared at her. "What?"

"Come on, get in and try it. I won't even look. I'll cover my eyes until you are in."

Rachel dropped her robe and climbed into the tub. The water was so hot and soothing, Rachel almost didn't notice Linda staring at her in silence. She eased down into the water and sighed. She took her glass off the ledge and sipped some more of the golden champagne. Linda continued to stare at her in silence and Rachel realized that the woman may be very uncomfortable.

"Linda, it's OK if you don't want to get in with me." Rachel said, holding out her hand to the woman. "You won't offend me. Just please don't be afraid. I will never do anything to you unless I was absolutely positive you wanted me to."

Linda stood next to the tub, gripping her plastic cup, and holding Rachel's hand with the other.

"Come on, take a bath with me and relax." Rachel beckoned her. "It feels good." She said playfully.

"Oh OK, you talked me into it." Linda sighed and handed Rachel her glass.

"Do I still have to cover my eyes?" Rachel asked raising an eyebrow mischievously.

"I guess it really doesn't matter, does it? I'm getting in a bath tub with you for God's sake." She untied her robe and let it fall. Rachel sat dumfounded, holding both glasses of champagne, watching the beautiful woman in front of her silhouetted in candlelight. She watched the petite powerful legs step into the tub and the gorgeous torso and breasts that followed down into the white bubbles.

Rachel smiled, feeling almost delusional. She couldn't believe how the day was ending up. Sitting across from her in the massive English tub was the woman she had fantasized about for 10 years. She sighed and decided to let herself enjoy the moment.

Both women leaned back and let the water soak their skin. They sipped their champagne and enjoyed the playful bubbles the jets stirred up beneath them.

Rachel sat up and leaned forward to reach the champagne bottle for a refill. She noticed Linda staring at her exposed breasts above the water line. White bubbles tried to cling to her wet skin, but instead, they slid slowly off back into the water. Pouring more champagne, she could feel her nipples harden at the cold air, and she wondered what the older woman was thinking.

Both glasses refilled, Rachel asked, "What shall we drink to?"

Linda sat up extending her glass, "How about to chance?"

"To chance it is." Rachel said as they locked eyes.

They toasted their glasses and leaned back into the steamy water.

"It really was chance, us meeting up again, much less sitting right next to each other on the plane." Linda stated, sipping her champagne.

"I agree completely."

Rachel felt Linda's legs brush up against her. The teacher was positioning herself around Rachel, her legs sliding slowly around the outside of the younger woman.

"You have grown into quite a woman." She said to Rachel, her voice laden with desire. "I knew when I had you in class that you were different. You were older than your years, emotionally and intellectually mature, far surpassing your classmates."

Rachel looked away, unsure of what to say. "Thank you. I would have never thought you gave me a second thought."

"Yes, I did give you a second thought. You were special. Every now and then you have a student who stands out for one reason or another. You were, and still are, incredibly modest. You honestly have no idea how incredible you are."

Linda sat up and pulled herself up towards Rachel, her tan knees coming out of the bubbles. She took Rachel's glass and set it down on the side of the tub. She held Rachel's face in her warm hands.

"Do you have any idea how glad I am that you are finally grown up? I've been attracted to you for so long." She paused, her eyes burning into Rachel's. "And when you said what you did on the plane, I was so surprised, and so exasperated, I honestly didn't know how to respond. But here we are now, and I'm going to respond."

She slowly pulled Rachel's face toward her own and kissed her softly and slowly. Warm lips tasted one another with the champagne lingering and flavoring the kiss. Rachel wrapped her arms around Linda and pulled her closer. Linda's legs encased her and their breasts rubbed as their kiss grew deeper.

Rachel took Linda's bottom lip and gently massaged it between her own, lightly running her tongue along the inside of her lip, wanting to go deeper. She could feel her breath and it was warm and sweet with desire. Rachel wanted to inhale her, to taste her soul.

Linda clung to her, her hands in her hair. She straddled Rachel and pulled her head back slightly, wanting to look deep into her eyes just before she kissed the younger woman long and deep. Their tongues softly intertwined and explored, at first tentatively, but then almost vigorously as passion enveloped them.

"Let's go to bed." Linda said gasping for air.

They stood carefully and stepped out of the tub. They hastily blew out the candles and ran a chilled path to Linda's room. Quickly, they pulled back the duvet and slid into the crisp, cool bed. Embracing, trying to find some warmth, Linda laid on top of Rachel. Their bodies were slick with the hot bath water and sweat as they moved against one another. They kissed again and allowed their hands to explore each other.

The darkness of the room was host to the sighs, and light moans of pleasure as the women began to love one another. The once cold bed quickly became heated with the flames of their desire.

Linda held Rachel's arms above her head as her mouth slowly moved over her neck and chest. She took each nipple in her mouth and toyed with Rachel until she let out a cry of wanting with each nibble, each flick of the tongue sending shock waves to the heat between Rachel's legs.

She sat up and reached for Linda, taking her face and kissing her long and hard. She pulled her to her, allowing the woman to wrap her legs around her as she buried her face in Linda's neck. Rachel took in her olive skin, kissing and sucking as much as she could. She ran her hands along the woman's side and found her breasts, awakening the nipples with her thumbs. Rachel pulled the woman closer and further onto her, allowing her mouth to find her nipples. Linda arched her back with the pleasure of the hot mouth taking her in. She held on to Rachel's back and shoulders, moaning softly as she moved her hips against Rachel's bare flesh.

Rachel could feel how warm and wet Linda was, as she grinded against her. She lay back on the bed, wanting to watch Linda move on top of her. Rachel ran her hand down Linda's stomach to the silkiness between her legs where she went deep inside her. She felt her tighten as she maneuvered her fingers inside the warm, wet walls. Linda moaned and straightened her back with sheer pleasure as she began to move, straddling Rachel.

Rachel was mesmerized by the dance of Linda atop her. Her body writhed in the moonlight to the music played out by Rachel's fingers. Linda groaned and leaned forward to passionately kiss her. The two embraced again hungrily and Rachel rolled her over and lavished her with her mouth, finding and feeding her way down.

Once between her legs, she lingered, teasing and inhaling, causing Linda to squirm and to clench a fistful of her hair, pulling her near. Her mouth found Linda throbbing and slick with warm juices. Rachel's tongue swam around her engorged clit and plunged deep inside her, lapping at the woman from her fiery center. Linda cried out in delight and began bucking her hips, wanting Rachel deeper inside her.

Sensing her growing need, Rachel's tongue worked it's way back up to her clit as she plunged her fingers into Linda's tight walls, curving them into her g-spot. She suckled the warm silk of her clit, feeling Linda move her hips in rhythm with her. The English teacher clawed at the bed, pulling at the sheets as Rachel continued creating the magic with her mouth and fingers, wanting the moment to last forever.

Sweat glistened Linda's body as she begged for Rachel to release her. Heart thudding in her ears, Rachel pumped her harder and faster while sucking fast to her hard clit. Reaching her peak, Linda cried out into the darkness and clung to Rachel as each wave of orgasm surged through her tight body.

Voice groggy and spent from the strain, Linda laughed a throaty laugh and lay limp on the ravished bed. She pulled Rachel up to her and softly touched her face. Then, with deliberance, she laid Rachel gently down next to her and loved her well into the early morning hours.

They awoke to the sound of David's voice calling from the bottom of the stairs.

"Ladies, I've got your breakfast ready. Come and eat. Then you can go back to sleep."

They giggled and very carefully untangled from one another and climbed out of bed.

They entered the dining room in a daze, grinning shamelessly at one another as David walked in carrying their food.

He smiled and said, "Well good morning. And by the look of it somebody had a good night as well."

The two women laughed and embraced for a brief kiss.

David looked at Linda, a knowing smile on his lips.

"So I take it you will be needing just the one room then?"

Linda and Rachel grinned at one another and answered at the same time, "Yes."

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