WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

By Mavis Applewater

July 2002

Disclaimers: Yes, I know who they look like. Trust me, it isn’t them. The story, characters, and everything else are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted, or sold without the author’s permission. And doesn’t it just suck that I have to mention that? If for any reason, real or imagined, you are not comfortable with graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in sexual situations, then do us all a favor and don’t read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view such material, then do me a favor and don’t read this until it is no longer a crime for you do so. Why does the heat wave always break right after I get my air conditioner installed?

A big thank you and a hug and kiss go out to my beta reader Joanne.

As always, this is for Heather.

PART ONE

One of the happiest days in Eden Mathew’s life was when her next-door neighbor, Mr. Travis, finally put his house on the market. Eden wasn’t an unkind person by any means. She just couldn’t help but rejoice in the fact that the cantankerous elderly gentleman would no longer be a thorn in her side.

When she had first moved into the quiet suburban neighborhood, she’d waved to the older gentleman with the round belly, balding head, and white beard. He in turn walked away without acknowledging the gesture. Eden assumed he hadn’t seen her. She continued to try making contact with her next-door neighbor but he was resistant. The first time she spoke with the man was one night during her first week in her new home. "Where’s your husband?" he demanded in a nasty tone.

"I’m not married," the brunette explained politely. She didn’t want to get into her lifestyle with the older man. She realized that many people from his generation were uncomfortable with the concept of two women being in love. Since there hadn’t been anyone special in her life for a long time, it was a moot point.

She was about to continue the conversation by asking him about the neighborhood when he turned away from her in a dismissive manner. The tall woman stood there on the sidewalk with a stunned expression on her chiseled features. It didn’t take her long after that to discover that, although the plump elderly man may physically resemble Santa Claus, his personality closely resembled the Grinch.

Still, if little Cindy Lu Who could win over the Grinch, then she could find it within herself to form a cordial relationship with her neighbor. She did try valiantly to make peace with the surly older man. All of her efforts fell short. He seemed to enjoy making her daily existence miserable. He would leave his trash out so it blocked her driveway; she’d politely ask him not to leave it so close to her driveway. "I’ll do whatever I damn well please," he snapped before storming off.

Somehow she managed to bite back the nasty retort that threatened to escape. Instead she decided to be the bigger person and get up early every Monday morning to move his trash out of her path. It didn’t matter if the pickup day changed due to a holiday, the elderly gentleman’s garbage was blocking her driveway every Monday. She often found herself wondering how one man could accumulate so much trash in the course of one week.

Another point of contention was the rickety old fence that separated their yards. She had asked him to replace it since it was not only an eyesore but a safety hazard as well. He told her to buzz off! Once again she swallowed her anger and offered to replace the fence herself in case it was a matter of money. He flipped her off. Their relationship deteriorated from then on.

His mongrel dog, whose personality was slightly friendlier than his master’s, would relieve himself on her azalea bushes, the tires of her car, and anywhere else the mangy mutt desired. When she politely brought it to Mr. Travis’ attention, his only response was a surly "So?" Then he slammed his front door in her face. A few days later she woke up to find him pounding on her door, screaming about her cat digging up his yard. She was stunned by the accusation for many reasons. First, the man’s yard was a disgrace. Nothing had been trimmed or mowed in years. The front yard was littered with beer cans, which she quickly discovered were thrown there by him. Most importantly, she didn’t own a cat or any other pet. She once again buried her anger and politely explained to him that she didn’t have a cat. He called her a ‘lying bitch!’ before storming off.

Over the passing years she struggled to maintain her demeanor despite that the fact that she was quite certain the man had a stick permanently wedged up his ass. She was sure he made a habit of peeking into her windows at night. Many times she would wonder if he was just lonely and had allowed the bitterness to consume him. She learned later from the older residents of her little neighborhood that he’d always been like this. Basically he was a mean old man because he’d been a mean young man.

Eden had long ago decided to take the high road and live and let live. That still didn’t stop her from doing a happy dance the day she spotted the ‘For Sale’ sign on his front lawn. She’d feared that he’d passed away until she saw him standing on the porch scratching his butt while he tossed an empty Budweiser can onto his lawn.

Much to her and the rest of the neighborhood’s disappointment, Mr. Travis’ home seemed to be un-sellable, probably due to the dilapidated state it was in. Finally, one day when she returned home from work, she saw that the sign had been changed to ‘Sale Pending’. Once again she did a happy dance, this time right in her driveway. "I can’t wait to get away from the freaks in this place," Mr. Travis shouted from his porch as she laughed hysterically.

Then without ceremony the sign changed to ‘Sold’ and Eden tried to do a back flip across her lawn. She failed at her attempt and ended up trapped in bed for a week. While she was recuperating Mr. Travis vanished, leaving most of his belongings behind for the new owner to deal with. Eden watched from her bedroom window as truck after truck removed garbage from the home and yard. Surveyors came and went and finally the old fence, which was about to collapse, was removed and replaced by a larger one.

The taller fence peaked Eden’s curiosity until she was rudely awoken by a backhoe digging up the yard next door. As her anger subsided from being awakened at the crack of dawn, she watched as a hole was dug and an in-ground pool constructed. "Maybe they have kids?" she pondered. She thought it would be nice to see some little ones running around for a change since most of her neighbors were advanced in years.

A month passed after the pool was installed and still her new neighbors hadn’t moved in. Instead the constant hammering increased. The house seemed to be undergoing major reconstruction. It was understandable but the constant noise was driving Eden insane. The work crews began just before the sun rose and worked until sunset six days a week. She had yet to see her new neighbors but she was looking forward to their arrival. If nothing else it would mean the construction would cease.

One of the reasons Eden had moved to the neighborhood was because it was close to work and she could sleep just a little later. Now she woke before sunrise every morning except Sunday. And sometimes even on Sunday a work crew would arrive. Every day the workmen would block her driveway and she was forced to endure the hoots and hollers from the crew when she went to ask that the vehicle be moved. Inevitably her driveway would be blocked again when she returned from work and she was forced to return and repeat the same humiliating experience.

Another month of torture went by and Eden’s nerves were frayed. It was bad enough when she received taunts and jeers when she went next door but many times she had to endure the crude comments when she was simply walking in her own yard. Then it happened. One morning she was rushing to get to work on time when she trudged out to her driveway and found it blocked yet again by a pickup truck. Her last ounce of restraint snapped as she stormed over to the house next door. "Who owns the blue Ford blocking my driveway?" she bellowed across the front lawn.

"That’s mine," a voice called out as Eden felt the workmen’s eyes scanning her body. At moments like this she really regretted having to wear a skirt to the office.

"Well, move it," Eden snapped, finally deciding that enough was enough. "Some people need to get to work."

She could feel her anger rise as she heard the crude comments the workmen were whispering. Then she saw a small woman with long flowing blonde hair step away from the men. "Sorry about that I didn’t think that, I would be here so long," the blonde instantly apologized as Eden felt a guilty pang. She opened her mouth to apologize for complaining so rudely when the blonde leaned over to one of the men. "Wow, you were right. She really is a bitch." The blonde snorted. "Let me go move my truck for her highness and I’ll be right back." Eden knew that the blonde’s comment wasn’t meant for her to hear. But she had heard it and it hurt her feelings.

The tall brunette stormed off, muttering under her breath as she crossed back over to her own yard and climbed into her car. She tossed her briefcase in and slammed the door after settling herself in the driver’s seat. The moment she saw the truck move away, she gunned her engine and tore out of her driveway, knowing that no matter how fast she drove she would still be late for work.

During the next few weeks Eden endured much of the same torture. She would occasionally see the attractive blonde who would politely wave to her. As much as Eden wanted to be polite, she couldn’t help but recall the woman’s rude words. She never responded to the blonde who would simply shrug in response. Eden began to realize that she was being childish; she decided to swallow her pride and at least wave in response.

One Saturday morning things suddenly got worse. Eden woke up to the sound of loud pounding and a bad case of the flu. She tried hiding under her pillow but it was no use. She lay in bed in agony, praying for the end of their workday so she could simply sleep. Then she heard a crash and a stream of curses emanated from below. She was too weak to get out of bed to investigate. When her doorbell started ringing persistently she prayed for death.

Finally she was forced to accept that the only way to cease the ringing was to drag her tired body downstairs and answer the door. She instantly regretted her decision when she found the blonde standing on her front porch looking worried. Eden pulled her robe closer to her chest, knowing that she looked like death warmed over. It bothered her to look so unattractive in front of the blonde. Despite the fact that she found the smaller woman completely contemptible, she had to confess that the smaller woman was very attractive.

"I’m sorry," the blonde blurted out quickly.

Eden had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach as she stepped out onto the porch. Her heart dropped when she saw a truck loaded with lumber in her driveway. "I asked them not to go near your driveway," the blonde continued to ramble as Eden dragged herself over to the scene.

"They never listen," she grumbled bitterly as she approached her car. "Son of a . . . ," se began to yell before the anger choked her into silence. The truck had backed into her year old Volkswagen Bug, leaving the smaller car in a crumpled heap. The two by fours had smashed through the back window and the backend of the truck had destroyed the rear of her car.

Her blue eyes widened in anger as she wondered how the driver of the truck could have been such a bonehead and not stopped until he had destroyed her car. The blonde carefully approached her. "Not a word," she growled as she spun around to face the smaller woman. "All I want is the appropriate insurance information. Then I want you people to stay the hell away from my property," Eden flared as the blonde nodded mutely. No one spoke as the paperwork was exchanged. Once it was completed, Eden stormed into her home and called her insurance company. Then she crawled back into bed, curled up into a ball, and once again prayed for death as the sounds of construction kept her awake.

After that disastrous Saturday Eden was plagued by a nagging suspicion that was confirmed a few weeks later. The construction noise had ceased earlier that week, and when she returned home with her new SUV, she found a large moving van in front of the house next door. The small blonde was standing out front and Eden’s stomach turned as she realized that the petite blonde was her new neighbor.

PART TWO

Over the next weeks Eden tried to figure out how she was going to thaw out her chilly relationship with her new neighbor. She didn’t want to have to endure yet another stormy relationship. It didn’t make her feel good that she’d managed to alienate the young blonde. It bothered her when she heard from the other neighbors that the blonde had apologized to everyone regarding the noise during the reconstruction of her home. Well, almost everyone; she hadn’t spoken to Eden since her precious VW Bug had been destroyed.

Eden vowed that she would find some way to smooth things over. They might be neighbors for years to come and the blonde was the only one remotely close to her age. She was also certain that the attractive blonde was also gay. It wasn’t difficult to figure out. Her gaydar had clued her in instantly, plus her attractive neighbor had a seemingly endless stream of women coming and going on most weekend nights. Based on the all too familiar sounds emanating from the blonde’s house, the young woman was not only gay but single and loving it.

Ignoring the woman’s obvious lack of discretion, Eden found herself baking a batch of coconut cluster cookies for her new neighbor. She walked up to her front door and rang the doorbell. From inside she heard a stream of curses. The door flew open, startling the tall brunette. "What?" the disheveled blonde barked. Eden took a cleansing breath as a pair of angry emerald eyes glared up at her.

"I wanted to make . . . a peace offering," Eden said lamely as she offered the plate of cookies to the irate smaller woman.

"Fine. Thanks," the blonde grunted as she snatched the plate from Eden’s hands. "Anything else?" the blonde barked.

"No," Eden responded flatly before she spun on her heel and walked away.

Once the brunette returned to the confines of her own home she was completely beside herself. "That’s that," she accepted bitterly. "I’m a crappy neighbor and I should be thankful that she doesn’t have a dog that will leave presents all over my yard."

A few nights later Eden was relaxing on her deck, sipping wine with one of her dearest friends, Tisha. "I saw your neighbor when I pulled up," the dark-skinned woman noted with a soft purr. "Very nice."

"Yeah, too bad her personality doesn’t match her good looks," Eden noted with a grunt.

"Pity." Tisha sighed in regret. "Is she family?"

"Oh yeah," Eden responded with a throaty laugh.

"So what’s the problem?" Tisha pushed.

"We got off on the wrong foot," Eden explained.

"How so?" Tisha continued.

"You remember my car?" Eden asked rhetorically.

"No?" Tisha gasped. "She did that?"

"One of her workmen," Eden explained.

"But she didn’t do it,"Tisha reasoned. "If I were you I’d make nice. She’s a cutie."

"Hmm," Eden responded distantly. Her mind drifted back a few nights when she’d been getting ready for bed and accidentally spied her attractive neighbor skinny-dipping in her pool. Eden shook her head in an effort to erase the image of her neighbor’s firm body from her mind. "I don’t think I’m her type," Eden stated.

"Excuse me?" Tisha questioned her in disbelief.

"Let’s just say she likes to date a lot," Eden emphasized the last few words to get her point across.

"Oh," Tisha said as she nodded in understanding. "So she’s a slut?"

Just as the words escaped from Tisha’s mouth, Eden’s jaw dropped as she spotted the topic of their conversation approaching the deck. The angry look in her eyes bore into Eden. "Hi," Eden squeaked out as she quickly jumped to her feet. Tisha’s mouth hung open in embarrassment when she turned to see the blonde glaring at them.

"I just wanted to return this," the blonde explained in a flat tone as she placed the dish on the edge of the deck. "Thanks for the cookies," she added in an icy tone before storming off.

"Do you think she heard us?" Tisha inquired in a fearful tone.

The sound of a door being slammed echoed through the darkness. "You think?" Eden groaned as she flopped down onto her deck chair. "This sucks," she grumbled.

"Maybe she didn’t hear us," Tisha offered hopefully.

"Right," Eden grumbled.

"So?" Tisha scoffed. "It’s not your fault she’s a player. I never liked women who sleep around and then seem truly surprised when people talk about them."

"It was still a crappy thing to do," Eden argued. "She probably came by to smooth things over and I’m calling her a ho."

"No, you didn’t," Tisha pointed out. "All you said was that she dated a lot. I was the one who called her a slut. Besides she was probably just returning the plate and couldn’t care less what we think about her," Tisha added with a dismissive wave of her hand. Eden wasn’t convinced. "You baked her cookies?" Tisha added in disbelief. "I’m your best friend and you’ve never baked me cookies. I always knew you had a thing for blondes."

"Do not," Eden scoffed at the notion.

"Do so."

"Do not."

The friendly banter continued as they switched to coffee and moved on to other subjects. They talked late into the night until Tisha finally left. The caffeine buzz kept Eden awake well into the wee hours. Unable to sleep the brunette finally climbed out of bed; as she passed her window a distinctive splashing sound caught her attention. She peered out her window and was once again greeted by the sight of her neighbor skinny-dipping.

Unable to pull herself away from the glorious sight, Eden stood in the darkness watching the blonde swim. She licked her lips as she pictured the woman’s muscles rippling. Her imagination carefully filled in the details that distance prevented her from seeing. The blonde finally emerged from the water. Eden’s stomach clenched as she watched the water trickle down the petite woman’s body. She felt like a voyeur as the woman began to dry herself off with a towel.

Eden’s heart skipped a beat as the blonde looked up towards her bedroom window. In a panic she jumped back in the darkness. "God, I’m turning into a complete pervert," she scolded herself as she hid from view. "Maybe it’s a good thing we don’t get along," she reasoned as she tried to calm the rapid beating of her heart.

As the days passed the blonde’s icy demeanor increased, confirming Eden’s suspicion that her neighbor had indeed overheard Tisha gossiping about her. The following Friday Eden was waiting for Tisha to join her for lunch. "Guess what?" Tisha blurted out as she plopped herself down in the booth.

"You’re late," Eden taunted her.

"So?" Tisha blew off her comment. It wasn’t surprising since Tisha was always late for everything. "I found out about Gwen."

"Who?" Eden asked in bewilderment.

"Gwen," Tisha explained excitedly. "Your pretty neighbor lady. You didn’t know her name? Wow, the two of you really didn’t hit it off."

"To say the least," Eden groaned as a familiar pang of guilt struck her. The brunette wasn’t sleeping very well since the blonde’s swimming had become a nightly event. Eden didn’t want to watch and yet she seemed unable to stop herself. "Look, I don’t want to talk about her."

"Too bad," Tisha continued. "She’s a realtor and I know why she’s been Miss Popularity. She had a really bad breakup."

"So?" Eden shrugged as the image of Gwen’s naked body floating in her pool flashed through her mind. "I had a couple of flings after Susie and I split."

"But Susie didn’t leave you for a guy," Tisha added triumphantly.

"Ouch." Eden cringed, feeling her heart go out to Gwen. It felt strange to suddenly have a name to put with the cherubic face.

"They were living together for, I don’t know, forever and suddenly her girlfriend gets a case of the straights," Tisha continued with enthusiasm. "To top it off, everyone but Gwen knew what was going on."

"The poor thing." Eden winced sympathetically.

"Tell me about it," Tisha agreed. "If I was in that girl’s shoes, I’d be doing the same thing."

"So you would sleep around just because your girlfriend left you for a guy?" Eden said in amazement. "It happens. Remember Grace?"

"How that poor thing didn’t know her husband was gay is beyond me," Tisha scoffed. "But as you may recall, the first thing she did was go out and boink some young stud senseless."

"Can we talk about something else?" the brunette pleaded. "I’m not interested in my neighbor’s sex life, thank you very much."

"Are you sure?" Tisha taunted her. "I saw the way you looked her."

"When?" Eden gasped as she blushed down to her roots.

"The night we were sitting on your deck," Tisha responded in confusion.

"Oh right," Eden quickly muttered. "Well, she is attractive," she reasoned. "New subject please?"

"Fine," Tisha responded with a shrug. "So tell me what’s up with you and Celeste? She said she was going to ask you out?"

"Yes, I’m going out with her next Sunday," Eden grumbled, knowing that the only reason she’d accepted the date was because she found herself constantly thinking about the blonde who lived just a few feet away from her.

"You don’t sound very excited about it," Tisha said in concern.

"I don’t know. She seems nice enough," Eden explained. "It’s just . . . I don’t know."

"Just when was the last time you went out on a date?" Tisha inquired and Eden could see the wheels spinning in the ebony woman’s head.

"It’s been awhile," Eden confessed with a heavy sigh as she pretended to look over her menu. "I can’t help wondering if that’s the real reason I’m going out with her."

"Who cares? All we’re talking about is a night out and a free meal," Tisha reasoned. "Plus, if you play your cards right, you might just get your tires rotated."

"Is that all you think about?" Eden chuckled, thoroughly amused by her friend’s endless stream of euphemisms. "How do you come up with so many colorful expressions?" She laughed.

"It’s a gift," Tisha responded proudly. "Let’s eat; I’m starving."

"No small wonder," Eden taunted her friend.

PART THREE

That evening when Eden pulled into her driveway, she spotted Gwen planting flowers along her walkway. Eden turned off the engine of her new SUV and sat in the car, trying to decide if she should try once again to make peace with her neighbor. ‘Maybe if I get to know her I’ll stop ogling her from my bedroom window.’ She peered up at her bedroom window and then looked around, realizing that the blonde was probably clueless to Eden’s late night ogling since the way the houses were set up Eden was the only one who was granted a full view of Gwen’s backyard. "Oh boy," Eden sighed heavily as she stepped out of her car and braced herself to face the blonde.

"Hi?" Eden offered carefully as Gwen looked up at her. The blonde’s emerald eyes were hidden behind her sunglasses. Still Eden could feel the apprehensive look obscured by the dark shades.

"Hi," Gwen responded in an incredibly slow tone.

Suddenly Eden’s mind went blank; she couldn’t think of anything to say. She had nothing planned; everything she’d come up with in the confines of her car now seemed completely lame. As the blonde wiped the dirt off her hands, she realized that she’d been standing there for quite some time. "I’m Eden," she finally blurted out and then cringed instantly. "Well, that was lame," she groused aloud. The blonde laughed lightly at Eden’s flustered state.

Eden smiled in response as she thought that Gwen had a really pleasant laugh. "I know we got off on the wrong foot and all . . . ," she began, feeling slightly more relaxed.

"Repeatedly," Gwen agreed as she stood. "And totaling your car probably didn’t help."

"Yeah well, the conservation you heard the other day wasn’t very nice," Eden apologized.

"Let’s not go there," Gwen responded with soft sincerity. "Plus I think you may have overheard some rather snide comments yourself."

"Yeah," Eden responded with a grimace.

"Sorry about that," Gwen apologized as well. "The guys had been grousing about your constant complaints and then . . ."

"I screamed at you the first time you saw me," Eden finished for her with an understanding nod.

"That was classic," Gwen said with a sly smirk. "I did find out later that the guys had been giving you a really hard time, parking in your way so they could check you out when you came over."

"Pigs," Eden groaned.

"Basically," Gwen concurred. "Not that I can blame them," she added softly. Eden found herself blushing at the comment. "Hi, I’m Gwen Campbell," the blonde offered as she held out her hand. Eden smiled at the name, thinking how much it sounded liked the famous country western singer. "Don’t," Gwen cautioned the tall brunette. "Trust me. I’ve heard all of the jokes."

"I wouldn’t dream of it," Eden reassured her as she shook her hand. "Eden Mathews."

As Eden withdrew her hand she noticed the dirt on it. "Oh damn," Gwen groused. "I’m sorry."

"No worries." Eden laughed as she tried to brush the dirt off her hands. "I’m happy to see you fixing the place up. Mr. Travis never did anything except add more cans of Bud to the front lawn."

"So I’ve heard," Gwen responded gleefully. "Look, I was just finishing up before firing up the grill and relaxing by the pool. Care to join me?"

"Thanks," Eden responded quickly. "I just need to get cleaned up," she explained as she held up her dirty hand. "Can I bring something?"

"Don’t worry about it," Gwen stated. "I was going to throw on a steak; I’ll just add one more." Eden began to nervously chew on her bottom lip, beginning to fear that she was about to offend her new neighbor again . "Or fish?" Gwen offered quickly. "I have a couple of tuna steaks."

"That would be great." Eden blew out a breath in relief.

Eden showered, changed into a pair of cut-offs and a simple T-shirt, and grabbed a bottle of chardonnay on her way out of her house. She noticed that the gate off Gwen’s driveway was ajar. She peeked through and found Gwen out on her deck watching the grill. Gwen waved her over and she closed the gate behind her. Eden held up the bottle of wine as she approached the small blonde.

"Great," Gwen said with an endearing smile. "I’ll get a corkscrew."

When Gwen disappeared into her home Eden took a moment to survey the yard. It was the first time she’d seen it up close. "I like what you’ve done with the place," she said to her hostess who had returned with a corkscrew and two wine glasses.

"Thank you," Gwen accepted the compliment graciously as she placed the glasses down and relieved Eden of the bottle of wine. "I was one of the realtors showing the place. I couldn’t believe how disgusting it was."

"That’s right; you’re a realtor,"Eden commented before she realized what she’d done. Gwen popped the cork out of the bottle, seemingly unaware of Eden’s slip.

"How did you know that?" Gwen inquired casually as she handed Eden a glass of wine.

"I uhm . . ." Eden hesitated, wondering if she should at least try to come up with a convincing story. Gwen turned her attention back to the grill just as Eden reminded herself how much she hated to lie. "I have a friend who’s a terrible gossip."

"Let me guess - the gal from the other night?" Gwen said with a smile as she removed the fish from the grill.

"Tisha," Eden offered. "She’s nosy and feels it’s her duty to pry into everyone’s lives."

Gwen motioned for Eden to sit at the table on the deck. The brunette sighed with relief as Gwen began to serve their dinner. "So what else did Tisha tell you about me?" Gwen inquired innocently as they began their meal. "I’m not an ax murderer, am I?"

"That was about it," Eden mumbled, trying to avoid telling Gwen the other item of gossip that Tisha had supplied her with. "This is good," she added quickly as her eyes avoided Gwen’s curious gaze.

"Great," Gwen groaned as she slammed her fork down. "Alas poor Gwen."

"It . . . uhm . . . Look I uhm," Eden stammered.

"Sorry. I’m not upset with you or your friend," Gwen offered in a defeated tone. "I’m just tired of it all. I feel like I should be walking around with some sort of disclaimer tattooed on my forehead."

"That could probably be done," Eden offered, trying to alleviate the sudden tension that engulfed them. "Something simple like ‘I’m not the freak she is’?"

"Now that would be perfect." Gwen laughed loudly. "It just gets so exhausting having to explain it to people and she got all our friends in the breakup. Of course, they knew it was coming," she added bitterly. Eden felt terrible for bringing the painful subject out in the open. "So how much did you hear?"

"Not much," Eden offered. "You’d been together for a long time and then your partner got a case of the straights."

"That’s about it," Gwen confirmed with a shrug. "We were living together for almost five years and going together for almost six. No, I wasn’t the only woman she’d been with and I’m willing to bet I won’t be the last. And I can’t believe that I’m telling you all this."

"Maybe you just need someone to talk to," Eden suggested. "You don’t have to, but it’s okay if you do."

"You’re not a therapist by any chance, are you?" Gwen teased her.

"No, I’m a systems analyst," Eden clarified. "Besides my first girlfriend did the same thing. Only she really was straight and we were only together for a couple of months. I was an teenaged experiment."

"Yes, but that happens," Gwen said anxiously.

"So does what happened to you," Eden offered sincerely.

"Yeah, but there is a huge stigma attached to it," Gwen explained. "Are you sure you want to hear this?"

"Yes," Eden reassured her.

"Why?" Gwen inquired in wonderment.

"That’s what neighbors are for," Eden responded with a shrug. "I’d really like for us to get along. Plus you have a pool and it’s such a drag going to the beach," she added wryly.

"Oh, I see. I spill my guts and you think you’re going to get to use the new pool with me," Gwen played along. "We’ll see. But I do need to warn you that I don’t like to wear a suit."

"And that is a deterrent?" Eden quipped, fighting the blush that was threatening to creep up on her.

Eden’s heart warmed as Gwen released a boisterous laugh. They settled down to their meal as Gwen told her about how she’d never seen the breakup with Brenda coming. She’d never had any indication that Brenda was unhappy, much less interested in someone else although Brenda had been mentioning this man she worked with for awhile. One day Gwen was surprised when she found him sitting in their kitchen. Then she was completely floored when Brenda introduced her as her roommate.

That day had been the beginning of the end. Their relationship quickly unraveled when Gwen discovered that Brenda was involved with the man. She did try to work things out but she couldn’t reconcile herself with the lies that Brenda was feeding both her and her new boyfriend. Apparently he was clueless as to the true nature of their relationship. Finally Gwen left with Brenda insisting that they stay friends and Gwen insisting that she go to hell as soon as possible.

"So he had no idea?" Eden asked as they relaxed by the pool, sipping wine by the lights Gwen had installed inside the pool itself. Of course Eden was already well aware of the lighting since it gave her a view of Gwen’s body on a nightly basis.

"As far as I know he still doesn’t," Gwen explained. "But then again I didn’t keep in touch. She calls every now and then like we’re just going to hang out. The last time she called was the night you brought the cookies over. I felt like a total witch for the way I treated you."

"Don’t worry about it." Eden sighed, feeling completely relaxed in the smaller woman’s company and slightly buzzed from the second of bottle of wine they’d opened. "It’s not like I’d made a really good impression prior to that."

"No," Gwen shushed her. "I was the one who was an idiot. My God, one of the workmen totaled your car. I like the new one by the way."

"Thanks." Eden chuckled. "It seems to be sturdier than the last one."

"Well, this can be a dangerous neighborhood," Gwen threw out playfully. "Hmm . . . I’m a little buzzed."

"Same here," Eden confessed as her eyes fluttered shut.

"I have a confession to make," Gwen murmured.

"You are an ax murderer,"Eden replied softly as her eyes drifted open and she glanced over at Gwen. The sight of the young blonde resting comfortably made Eden’s heart beat just a little faster.

"Only on my days off," Gwen teased. "No, actually it’s a little embarrassing."

Eden flashed her a perplexed glance, wondering what could possibly be more embarrassing than what they’d already shared. "Yes?" she purred as she leaned slightly closer to Gwen, her eyes unconsciously drifting to the blonde’s full lips.

"I can see into your bedroom," Gwen confessed in a shy tone. "I wouldn’t have known about it except when I first bought the house, I found an old telescope set up in the window. I was curious and took a peek."

"I knew that old bugger was watching me," Eden fumed as her skin crawled in disgust.

"I took it down right away," Gwen reassured her. "But . . ."

"But what?" Eden urged her on, somehow feeling a little giddy.

"I may have glanced over once or twice," Gwen shyly confessed.

"Normally I would be completely offended by that," Eden explained slowly.

"So why aren’t you now?" Gwen persisted. "Something like that would really upset me."

"I hope not," Eden replied nervously.

"Have you been peeking into my boudoir as well?" Gwen teased her.

"No, I hadn’t thought of that," Eden responded honestly. "But I was already aware of the fact that you like to skinny dip." Eden was grateful for the semi-darkness that cloaked the blush she knew she was sporting. "You get a full view of the pool from my bedroom window."

"Hmm," Gwen responded thoughtfully. "So we’re both a couple of perverts."

"Apparently." Eden sighed deeply as she felt herself being drawn closer to Gwen’s body.

"Well, anytime you want to join me just come on over," Gwen offered, her breath caressing Eden’s skin.

"Really?" Eden responded as she swallowed hard.

"Sure." Gwen shrugged as she pulled slightly away from Eden. "It’s just swimming."

Eden’s heart dropped when Gwen’s words registered. ‘Of course it’s just for a swim, you moron,’ she scolded herself. "Well, this pervert should go home. I’ve had far too much to drink." She yawned.

"Same here," Gwen agreed. "Unless you wanted to go for a swim now?" the blonde suggested in a husky tone as they both stood.

They swayed slightly as the alcohol crept up on them. "Then again," Gwen said as she clasped Eden’s hips to steady her. The brunette found her hands resting on Gwen’s shoulders. "I think that perhaps the water isn’t the safest place for either one of us," Gwen continued as Eden fought off the overwhelming desire to lean down and capture Gwen’s lips with her own.

"You’re right," Eden conceded as she stepped away from the warmth of the smaller woman’s body. "Thanks for dinner," she added quickly.

"Thanks for coming over," Gwen responded. "And I meant what I said about coming over for a swim. If you’re ever watching . . . How much can you see by the way?" the blonde inquired playfully.

"Enough to know that you aren’t wearing a suit," Eden confessed shyly. "But not enough to know if you have a tan line."

"Well, I guess that will just have to be a surprise," Gwen teased her.

"And how much have you seen?" Eden played along.

"I can’t quite make out who the cartoon characters are on your boxer shorts. And yes, I’m just assuming that they’re cartoon characters," Gwen explained with a questioning glance.

"I’m not going to tell you." Eden snorted in amusement.

"I guess I’ll just need to find out some other way," Gwen quipped.

They stood there for a moment, each wanting to say more yet remaining quiet. "Well, goodnight, Gwen," Eden finally offered, breaking the silence between them as she reminded herself that it was just the wine that was making her want to wrap her arms around the smaller woman and kiss her senseless.

"Goodnight, Eden," the blonde responded softly.

Eden swayed as she made her way back to her own home. She was smiling as she entered her bedroom. She flipped on the light and began to remove her shoes. Just as she was about to pull her shirt up over her head, a sudden thought occurred to her. She walked over to her bedroom window and peeked through the lacy curtains. The lights were on across the way and she could indeed see inside Gwen’s well-lit bedroom. She was disappointed that the blonde was nowhere in sight.

Then she smiled as she saw Gwen enter the room and wave to her. She returned the wave, unable to wipe the broad smile off her face. They stood there grinning at one another for a lingering moment until finally they both drew the curtains, effectively blocking the other’s view.

PART FOUR

Eden was rushing around her home like a crazy woman trying to get ready for her date with Celeste; she was due at any moment. She’d spent the day before with Gwen at the mall buying odds and ends that the blonde needed for her new home. They went to dinner at the Ruby Tuesdays located in the mall and chatted endlessly until the mall closed. Both women were surprised that they’d spent the entire day together. Eden hadn’t been prepared for their time together to come to an end so she volunteered to assist Gwen in putting together some new shelves she’d purchased for her home office. By the time the shelves were constructed and mounted, both women were exhausted. Once again they seemed reluctant to end the evening. Gwen yawned and Eden took that as her cue, knowing that the smaller woman had to show houses early the next morning. She finally bid the blonde goodnight. Once again she found herself waving to her neighbor from her bedroom window before they both closed the shades.

Eden was just pulling her boots on when she heard the knock on her front door. "Rats," she griped as she hobbled over to the front door. "Thank God, it’s you." She sighed with relief as she found Gwen standing on her porch.

"What are you doing?" The blonde laughed as Eden flopped down onto her sofa.

"What does it look like?" Eden grumbled as Gwen followed her into the living room leaving the door slightly ajar behind them. "I’m trying to get my boots on."

"Interesting approach," Gwen responded thoughtfully as she knelt before the flustered brunette. "Here - let me help you," Gwen insisted as she swatted Eden’s hands away. "So guess who sold two houses today?"

"That’s great," Eden responded, happy for her new friend who had just slid her boots on with ease.

"So you want to celebrate with me?" Gwen asked as she remained kneeling before her with her hand resting casually on Eden’s thigh.

Eden was just about to accept the invitation when she recalled that Celeste was on her way over. "I can’t," she apologized. "I already have plans."

"Well rats. I was looking forward to getting a better look at your underwear," Gwen teased her with a throaty chuckle. Eden opened her mouth to join in the laughter when she spotted her date standing in the doorway. Her jaw dropped when she saw the angry look Celeste was giving both of them.

"Celeste!" she managed to squeak out as she jumped up, almost sending Gwen crashing to the floor in the process.

Eden reached down and scooped Gwen up in her arms. Both women stumbled slightly before they were standing on their own. Even though they weren’t doing anything wrong, both Eden and Gwen were sporting guilty expressions. "Am I interrupting something?" Celeste inquired coldly.

"No," both women responded quickly in unison.

"This is my neighbor, Gwen," Eden stammered. "Gwen, this is Celeste, my date."

"Nice to meet you. I was just helping her with her shoes," Gwen explained in a single harried breath.

Celeste looked from one woman to the other in bewilderment. "Anyhoo," Gwen blurted out. "I should be going." Celeste glared at the smaller woman. Eden wanted to reach out and stop the retreating blonde who was making a mad dash out the front door.

"Coward," Eden muttered softly under her breath before flashing Celeste a sheepish grin. "So where would you like to go for dinner?"

Eden was spent by the time Celeste dropped her off at her house. Despite her better judgment, she’d kissed the redhead goodnight. And not for the first time that evening, Celeste tried to get herself invited inside Eden’s home. "I’ll talk to you later in the week," Eden promised as she quickly exited the car and rushed up the front steps. She heard a distinctive ‘Psst’ as she fumbled with her keys. She almost broke into gales of laughter when she saw the blonde head peek over the fence. She nodded her head, indicating to Gwen that she should hold on. She waved to Celeste who was waiting for her to get safely inside.

Eden quickly retreated inside and closed the door behind her. She held her breath as she watched Celeste’s car pull away. Finally feeling that the coast was clear, she locked her front door and made a mad dash out the back. "Hey?" she called out softly. She laughed as Gwen climbed over the fence and straddled the top.

"So how was your date?" Gwen inquired casually as she teetered on the top of the fence.

"Get down from there before you break your neck, you goof," Eden demanded, still grinning like a kid as she spoke.

Gwen sighed as she jumped to ground, misjudging the distance and knocking Eden over in the process. "Well, hi there." Eden laughed at the blonde heap lying on top of her prone body. The laughter died on her lips as Gwen lifted her head and Eden found herself trapped in fiery emerald gaze. Once again Eden found herself fighting against the urge to kiss her neighbor.

"This is comfortable," Gwen said softly before pulling herself up off Eden’s now trembling body. "So how much trouble are you in with the girlfriend?" Gwen said casually as she offered her hand to Eden.

Eden felt a jolt of disappointment as she accepted Gwen’s hand and climbed up onto her feet. "She’s not my girlfriend," Eden explained, still clasping Gwen’s smaller hand in her own. "It was our first date."

"I’m so sorry." Gwen offered the heartfelt apology while absently running her thumb across the back of Eden’s hand.

"I managed to smooth things over," Eden explained, disappointed as she reluctantly released Gwen’s hand. She had no other option; if she continued to touch the small blonde she might do something stupid.

"How pray tell did you manage to explain finding some strange woman kneeling before you asking to see your underwear?" Gwen inquired in complete awe.

"I agreed to go out with her again," Eden grumbled.

"You don’t sound happy about it," Gwen stated firmly.

"It’s just that I wasn’t certain I wanted to go out with her on the first date," Eden explained. "Now I’m going out with her again and I kissed her goodnight."

"You did?" Gwen inquired in a bitter voice.

"Yeah," Eden admitted as she felt a strange sense of guilt wash over her. "It seemed to be the only way to convince her that there’s nothing going on between the two of us," Eden explained.

"Make sense," Gwen responded with a hint of sadness. "So you go out with her one more time and give her the old ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ and you’re a free woman."

"I hope you’re right," Eden replied softly.

PART FIVE

"I’m sorry. I like sex," Gwen teased her as she tossed a handful of popcorn at Eden. The brunette held up her hands to fend off the assault.

"Who doesn’t?" Eden exclaimed as she cleaned the stray kernels from her hair.

"According to you, that would be your ex," Gwen taunted her as she stood, walked over to her entertainment center, and removed the DVD they had been watching from the player.

"True," Eden concurred. "Still, my point was that I feel the scene was gratuitous."

"So?" Gwen shrugged as she replaced the disc in the rental case.

"Up until that point there was absolutely no sexual tension between the two characters." Eden continued with her explanation as she cleaned up the popcorn and Gwen flopped down onto the floor next to her. It had become something of a ritual with them over the past few weeks. Whenever they’d rent a movie together they would end up on the floor instead of the sofa. A huge bowl of popcorn would be placed between them and they’d act like they were at a slumber party.

"You missed some." Gwen pointed to some more kernels on the floor.

Eden was about to reach for them when she clenched her jaw. "Why am I cleaning this up? This is your house." Eden snorted indignantly before she dumped the popcorn remnants on Gwen’s head.

"Brat," Gwen squealed.

"Now what was I saying?" Eden continued as she picked a stray piece of popcorn out of her cleavage.

"I would have gotten that," Gwen suggested playfully. Eden felt her body temperature rising.

She really enjoyed spending time with Gwen but the overwhelming attraction to her new neighbor was starting to consume her every thought. Every night she would find herself waving to the young blonde from her bedroom window. It was as if they were sharing some kind of connection. Yet the moment Eden would flirt in response, Gwen seemed to back away. "What was I saying? You know it’s very distracting having a conversation with you," Eden noted thoughtfully. "That’s probably why you sell so many houses. I bet most folks don’t even realize that they’ve made an offer until they’re signing the papers."

"Oh pshaw," Gwen jested as she leaned over and removed a kernel of popcorn from Eden’s long dark tresses.

The brunette felt her cheeks starting to flush as Gwen’s fingers accidentally brushed lightly across her skin. "What are you doing tomorrow night?" Gwen inquired softly.

"I uhm . . . ," Eden stammered just the way she always did whenever she had to refuse spending time with Gwen because she had already agreed to go out with Celeste.

"Let me guess." Gwen groaned as she cleaned up their mess. "Celeste," she fumed as she abruptly stood. "I don’t understand why you are still dating her."

"I just don’t . . ." Eden hesitated, knowing she didn’t completely understand why she was still dating the woman either. A part did understand. In some small way it was her way of dealing with her attraction to Gwen. In the short time that they’d known one another, Eden had begun to fear that her attraction went beyond Gwen’s obvious physical attributes.

"She doesn’t like me, does she?" Gwen inquired thoughtfully. Eden cringed, knowing that it was the truth; Celeste didn’t like Gwen. She’d complained to Eden about the young blonde on more than one occasion. "It’s not that she doesn’t like you," Eden lied. "She doesn’t know you. And every time she sees you, for one reason or another, we seem to be in a compromising position."

Gwen released a mischievous laugh that warmed Eden’s heart. "I’m beginning to think that you’re doing it on purpose," Eden accused her playfully while her heart pleaded for it to be true.

"How about a swim?" Gwen suggested quickly, avoiding Eden’s question.

"Not tonight," Eden responded casually. She’d avoided joining Gwen for a late night swim, knowing that she would not be able to restrain herself. "I have an early day tomorrow; the programmer made a major snafu. I’m going to be rushed for time just to meet Celeste."

"I guess my tan line, or lack thereof, will continue to remain a mystery," Gwen teased her as they walked to the front door.

"Just like my underwear," Eden quipped in response. "I wonder who’ll find their answer first?" Eden offered as a challenge as her knees trembled slightly.

Eden returned home, showered, and dressed in her favorite boxer shorts and a T-shirt. She lifted the shade to her bedroom window and waved over to Gwen who was smiling and waving in return. Then she turned and thrust her backside up to the window. She turned to find Gwen straining to see what was on her shorts. She laughed as she caught the defeated scowl on the blonde’s face.

With a final wave both women drew their shades; Eden climbed into bed and entertained herself. As one hand drifted to her already erect nipples, the other slipped below the band of her silk boxer shorts. She wasn’t surprised at the overflowing wetness that greeted her inquisitive fingers. It was the same almost every night she spent with the energetic blonde. Gwen fueled her desires until she was on the brink of losing complete control. She felt as if she was a moth and Gwen was the flame. Sadly the only release she could find for her torment was her own touch.

Although she knew that Celeste would gladly assist her, she couldn’t bring herself to cross that line with the woman. Celeste was nice and everything she could want in a partner. She just didn’t set her body on fire the way the Gwen could with a simple smile. She knew that it was the fear that was holding her back. The fear of Gwen’s rejection and ruining their blossoming friendship kept her passion in check.

The following evening Eden finished getting ready for her pending date with Celeste. She was determined that tonight would be the night that she would finally breakup with her. A knock at her front door stirred her from her musings. She had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t Celeste. She smiled when she found Gwen standing on the other side of the door. The smile vanished when she caught the mischievous glint in those gorgeous emerald orbs. "Oh no," she gasped as blonde raced past her and up the staircase.

Eden raced after the blonde fury, not bothering to secure the door in her rush. She knew what Gwen was up to and found her in her bedroom. "Where are they?" Gwen taunted.

"No way," Eden said firmly. "I’m going to find out about that tan line first."

She tackled the smaller woman and sent both of them sprawling out on her bed. "Show me your underwear," Gwen squealed as Eden tickled her furiously. Eden could feel her body responding to Gwen’s touch as they wrestled. She knew that her jeans were becoming damp from her desire as Gwen wrapped her firm thighs around her waist. Feeling the desire grow, Eden tried to move away from the heat of Gwen’s body.

The blonde’s thighs held her firmly in place. Eden decided to take another route as she felt their breasts press together. Eden reached down to resume the tickling and misjudged her position. She heard the throaty moan escape from Gwen lips as her hands accidentally slipped up under the blonde’s skirt.

Instead of removing her hands Eden found herself cupping the smaller woman’s nylon-covered backside. Their breath grew ragged as they stared deeply into one another’s eyes. The connection was too deep for Eden to resist as she felt herself lean in to kiss Gwen. She could feel Gwen’s fingers lace through her hair. "Show me your underwear," Gwen panted sensually, the playfulness from a few short moments ago absent from her voice.

Just as Eden was going finally claim the lips that had been haunting her dreams, Gwen jerked back. "Oh no," the smaller woman gasped fearfully as her body stiffened.

Eden didn’t need to turn around to know that Celeste was standing behind them. "Don’t you ever knock?" Gwen fumed as Eden tried to pull away from the tight hold the blonde held her in.

"Gwen," Eden growled as she finally extracted herself from the warmth of Gwen’s body. "Hi," Eden greeted Celeste who was glaring at her. "We were just clowning around," she explained to her date.

"Right," Gwen grumbled as she climbed off the bed. "I’ll see you later, Eden," Gwen offered in a flat tone before brushing past the still fuming Celeste.

"What is going on?" Celeste demanded.

"It’s nothing," Eden lied. "Come on; let’s go." Eden instructed the tall woman as she guided her out of the last room in her home she wanted her in.

Dinner had been a miserable affair for Eden. She’d spent the entire time apologizing to her date. Eden could have just kicked herself for spending the entire night making nice with the woman she had every intention of dumping. Gwen was never far from her thoughts as the playful antics they’d shared earlier crept into her consciousness when she least expected. Unfortunately, each time it happened Celeste would mistake the faraway look for Eden’s nonexistent interest in her.

After feigning a headache and reluctantly agreeing to see Celeste again, Eden finally arrived home. When she kissed Celeste goodnight, she was tempted to give in and sate her desires. Still she just couldn’t let herself use Celeste’s body as a replacement for Gwen. Wearily she climbed up to her bedroom and felt a pang of disappointment when she noticed the dark bedroom across the way. She was becoming accustomed to seeing Gwen every night at bedtime. She hadn’t missed that Gwen no longer went out all the time and the parade of beauties had suddenly ceased around the time they started spending time together.

"I can’t go on like this," Eden confessed with a heavy sigh as she began to undress, not bothering to draw the shade since Gwen wasn’t around. As she put on her favorite pair of boxer shorts and an oversized man’s dress shirt, she thought about what had happened with Gwen earlier that day. It wasn’t the first time she found herself wondering if perhaps she’d mistaken the look in the blonde’s eyes. "Sometimes I am so certain that you feel the same way," she whispered aloud in the emptiness of her bedroom.

She glanced over to the dark bedroom once again. "Where are you?" she whispered solemnly. The hair on the back of her neck suddenly rose in excitement and instinctively her eyes drifted down to the pool. "Hello," she purred as she spied Gwen’s naked body floating in the water. She settled herself on the windowsill and watched Gwen float on her back, revealing her ample breasts to her. "This is bad," she sighed as her stomach clenched in desire. "But she knows I watch," she reasoned as her mind drifted to some others things she really wanted to watch Gwen doing.

Gwen lifted her body and stood in the shallow end of the pool and looked up at Eden’s bedroom window. Eden knew that she could be seen since the light was on so hiding was a ridiculous. Gwen brushed her long blonde hair back and waved her hand, inviting Eden to join her.

Eden waved in response before climbing down from her perch. As she turned off her bedroom light and headed downstairs, she knew that she could no longer resist the deep aching desire she felt. She checked the front door to ensure that it was locked and went out the backdoor. Before she could talk herself out of it she was standing on the stone that surrounded Gwen’s poolside.

"How was your date?" Gwen inquired as Eden watched her breasts bob in the water. The sight of her dark nipples breaking the water made Eden’s body pulsate with desire.

"Sucked," Eden admitted in a defeated tone.

"Let me guess. You still haven’t ended it with her," Gwen grumbled as she swam closer to the edge.

"Nope," Eden confessed as she watched Gwen’s body float in the water.

Gwen rested her arms on the edge of the pool as she looked thoughtfully up at Eden. "Why not?" Gwen pressed in a quiet tone. Eden opened her mouth to respond, hoping that the conversation would force her thoughts away from the sight of Gwen’s tantalizing body. "You don’t have a tan line," she found herself saying.

"You little sneak," Gwen teased her.

Eden smiled brightly, unable to tear her eyes away from the beautiful woman below her. They stood there smiling at each other for what seemed like an eternity. "Come here," Gwen encouraged her softly, finally breaking the silence. Eden stepped closer to the edge of the pool as Gwen reached up to peek under the long shirt. Eden smiled, knowing that it was still cloaked in the darkness. "I can’t see," Gwen grumbled.

Eden was just about to offer to show Gwen her beloved boxer shorts when she felt two hands clasp the back of her knees. Gwen yanked her body just hard enough so that Eden landed safely in the deep end. The brunette broke the surface of the water and glared playfully at her companion. Her long hair was now plastered to her face. She brushed the damp locks away so she could watch Gwen swim closer to her.

Eden moved closer to the naked woman. She finally stopped when she could rest her feet comfortably on the bottom without treading water. She knew that Gwen would be forced to continue treading water due to the vast differences in their height. "Give up?" she taunted the blonde who was struggling to remain afloat. She gasped when she felt Gwen’s firm thighs wrap around her waist.

"Not a chance," Gwen said triumphantly.

"Well, you can’t see them from there," Eden gloated as she felt her body pressing closer to Gwen’s.

"I guess I’ll just need to take a closer look," Gwen boasted as her eyes glimmered with delight. Eden’s body felt a sudden sense of loss as Gwen unwrapped her legs from her waist. Then Gwen dipped below the water and began to run her hands along Eden’s long legs. Eden allowed the sensual moan to escape her, knowing that Gwen couldn’t hear it from below the water’s surface.

As Gwen’s hands caressed the inside of her thighs Eden felt her nipples hardening. She was also convinced that Gwen’s actions were not all that innocent. Eden melted into the blonde’s touch, knowing that she was far from innocent in her own actions. She felt the shorts being lowered down her body; she teetered slightly as she stepped out of them. Finally Gwen emerged from the water, gasping as she held up the boxer shorts proudly.

Eden wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and pulled her closer. "Thanks," Gwen sputtered as she once again wrapped her legs around Eden’s waist. "That wasn’t as easy as I thought," she confessed as she pressed her body into Eden’s. "You have very long legs."

"Are you complaining?" Eden questioned her in a breathy tone.

"No," Gwen responded softly as she rested one hand on Eden’s broad shoulders to steady herself. "But you would have to explain to people just how I drowned."

"Hmm," Eden moaned as she allowed her hands to drift lower down Gwen’s body. She could feel Gwen’s nipples brushing against the soaked cotton material of her shirt. "So was your quest worth the risk?" Eden teased her as she cupped Gwen’s firm backside.

"Lets find out shall we?" Gwen said sweetly as she held up the soaked shorts for a closer inspection. "The Seven Dwarfs." She laughed. "These are adorable," the blonde gushed with a broad grin. The smile vanished quickly and Eden began to wonder what was wrong. Gwen began to frantically inspect the inside of the waistband. "Silk?" the blonde choked out in horror.

"They were," Eden jested.

"I ruined them," Gwen whimpered. "Eden, I’m so sorry."

"It doesn’t matter," Eden responded honestly as she removed the ruined shorts from Gwen’s grasp and tossed them off into the distance. As she felt Gwen’s hands cup her face, she couldn’t have cared less where her once beloved boxers landed.

Their faces neared one another. "Have you slept with her?" Gwen asked, her breath caressing Eden’s face.

"No," Eden responded honestly as she tilted her head, ready to claim Gwen’s lips.

"Do you want to?" Gwen panted, her lips barely brushing against Eden’s.

"No," Eden answered as her lips tingled from the brief contact. Eden was just about to show Gwen just what and who she wanted when her name was bellowed, alerting them to the fact that they weren’t alone.

"She has to go," Gwen grumbled; they pulled slightly away from each other.

Eden maintained her hold on Gwen’s body as she looked over to see Celeste standing at the edge of the pool. "Celeste, what are you doing here?" she responded curtly as she maneuvered both her and Gwen closer to the edge.

"Tell her," Gwen pleaded softly in her ear.

"You forgot your leftovers in my car," Celeste fumed. "I brought them over."

Eden rolled her eyes at the lame explanation as she lowered Gwen so she could now stand. Eden’s heart beat rapidly as they continued to cling to one another despite Celeste’s intrusion.

"Tell her," Gwen repeated, her breath caressing Eden’s ear.

"Thank you," Eden clipped. "But that doesn’t explain why you’re in Gwen’s yard."

"Because when you didn’t answer I knew that I’d find you with her," Celeste spat accusingly.

"This is where you belong," Gwen said softly as her hands drifted to Eden’s waist.

"Goodbye, Celeste," Eden stated firmly. She hadn’t wanted to be cruel but she just couldn’t deal with it any longer. She’d tried to end their relationship several times; each time Celeste had manipulated her into staying.

As she felt Gwen’s lips brush her collarbone, she knew she had finally done the right thing. What surprised her was that Celeste was still standing there. "Celeste, this isn’t working out," Eden continued slowly. "I obviously have feelings for Gwen." She noted the naked woman she was holding in her arms. "I can’t deny it any longer."

"Youmotherfuckingbitch!" Celeste finally spat out as she stormed off.

"What a potty mouth," Gwen exclaimed as she spun around just in time to catch the single digit salute Celeste directed at both of them.

Eden smiled as she stepped behind the blonde and wrapped her arms around Gwen’s slender waist. "I’m so glad that’s over." Eden sighed with relief as her hands caressed Gwen’s firm abdomen. She was relieved as she felt Gwen relax into her touch.

"So am I," Gwen murmured softly as Eden felt her body melting into Gwen’s.

Eden’s hands stilled as Gwen turned around to face her. The smoky gaze of Gwen’s eyes sent a shiver down Eden’s spine. "Should we talk about this?" Eden questioned the blonde fearfully.

"No," Gwen responded firmly as her small fingers began to unbutton Eden’s shirt. "The only thing we need to talk about. . . ," Gwen said softly before kissing Eden’s newly exposed flesh, " . . . is how much I’ve wanted to make love to you from the first moment I laid eyes on you." Eden moaned as Gwen’s lips continued to trail down her flesh.

"I was yelling at you," Eden noted as she felt the last of the buttons being undone and Gwen’s mouth working it’s way back up her chest.

"I know," Gwen responded huskily as she lowered the soaking top down Eden’s shoulders. "And I felt my body trembling from your beauty."

"I don’t want to be just another notch on your bedpost," Eden stated firmly as she felt her top being completely removed.

"NO," Gwen responded earnestly as she sent Eden’s shirt adrift in the water. "That isn’t what I want. They’re gone. I stopped after we started to get to know one another. I couldn’t. You were the only one I wanted. The only woman I need." The heartfelt sincerity threatened to bring tears to Eden’s eyes. "You are so beautiful," Gwen gasped as she drank in Eden’s naked body.

The brunette blushed shyly as she took a moment to drink in Gwen’s beauty. Each woman began to trail the tips of their fingers along the other’s shoulders. The sensation was causing Eden’s lower anatomy to pulsate in a steady sensual rhythm. "I was crushed when I found out you were seeing someone," Gwen confessed shyly as her fingertips drifted to the swell of Eden’s breasts. "When you kept seeing her, I thought I didn’t stand a chance."

Eden’s mind wanted to explain to Gwen just how much she wanted to be with her as well. And how Celeste was just a diversion to keep her from dealing with her growing feelings for Gwen. Somehow the words never made it to her lips. Instead her heart spoke for her. "Kiss me," Eden pleaded as she drew the blonde’s body closer to her own.

Gwen reached up and once again laced her finger in Eden’s long dark tresses. The brunette lost herself in the sensation of knowing that she was finally going to be able to drink in Gwen’s passion. The kiss exploded into fiery passion as lips parted and their tongues engaged in a sensual duel. As they explored the warmth of each other’s mouth, Eden’s hands roamed down the smaller woman’s body.

They moaned as their bodies drew closer together, allowing them to become lost in one another’s touch. Eden pressed her aching mound into Gwen’s firm stomach as the blonde rolled one of her nipples between her nimble fingers. Eden felt the urgent need to get even closer to the woman she held in her arms. As the kiss continued she lifted Gwen’s body. She groaned as the kiss broke and Gwen wrapped her legs around her.

Eden lifted Gwen higher and began to trace her breasts with her tongue as she felt her lover rocking slowly against her. Gwen cried out as Eden sucked her nipple into the warmth of her mouth. She could feel Gwen’s desire growing as the small woman thrust harder against her. Eden took advantage of the weightlessness the water gave them and slipped her hand down Gwen’s body. As she teased the blonde’s nipple with her teeth and her tongue she allowed her fingers to drift along Gwen’s firm backside.

Her fingers traced the firm flesh as she teased the crevasse while Gwen rocked against her. Eden pressed her fingers against the opening of Gwen’s center as she suckled her breast harder. "Make love to me," Gwen pleaded. That’s when Eden knew. She released her lover’s nipple and began to lick her way up Gwen’s neck. All the times she’d heard Gwen entertaining women not once was love mentioned. All of her requests had been baser.

Hungrily Eden claimed her lover’s lips, parting them with her tongue as her fingers entered her center. She plunged her tongue deep into Gwen’s mouth as she filled her completely. Her fingers were instantly captured in a tight grip as Gwen’s body shuddered. She pressed deeper inside her lover’s passion as Gwen cried out, breaking the kiss as her head fell back.

Eden slowly plunged in and out of her lover’s wetness while watching her body respond to her touch. Eden’s thumb caressed the smaller woman’s clit. She could feel it throbbing from her touch as Gwen’s body thrashed in the water. Eden was locked in her lover’s fiery gaze as she stroked her harder and deeper. Her own body hummed with desire as Gwen exploded in her arms. The blonde’s eyes snapped shut as her body arched. Eden held her steadly as she continued to pleasure her.

As Gwen screamed in ecstasy, her face flushed, Eden drew her up into her free arm. She held her lover as the last waves of pleasure drifted through her body. Gwen was clinging to her as she gasped for air. Eden felt Gwen’s body calming and her lips kissing her shoulders. She finally removed her fingers from Gwen’s warmth and wrapped both arms around her lover.

Eden groaned deeply as Gwen nibbled on her earlobe before dipping her tongue in her ear. "Gwen," she moaned. Eden was confused as Gwen slid down her body. The blonde clasped her hips and gently guided her back to the edge of pool. Eden relaxed into the wall of the pool as she gripped the edge, offering her naked body up for her lover to explore freely.

Her lips quivered as Gwen’s hands slid across her shoulders then down to her chest. "I think I’ve really fallen for you," Gwen confessed in a deep honest voice as she cupped Eden’s breasts. Eden gripped the edge of the pool tighter as her lover began to tease her nipples with her thumbs.

"Show me," she pleaded as Gwen’s thigh pressed against her center.

Gwen didn’t speak as her hands began to drift further down Eden’s body. The brunette’s thighs parted as her need to feel her lover’s touch grew. She released a trembling gasp as she felt Gwen’s fingers tracing her swollen nether lips. The nimble fingers parted to form a vee shape and then ran slowly up her aching need. She cried out as Gwen’s fingers parted her. Then her knees buckled as Gwen’s fingers brushed back the hood and began to stroke her throbbing clit.

As Gwen pleasured her, their eyes once again locked in a fiery gaze. Gwen’s fingers shifted and her thumb replace them. The blonde’s fingers pressed against the opening of her aching center. "Yes," Eden responded with a hiss. Her hips thrust forward as Gwen plunged deep inside of her. Eden’s hips thrust wildly as Gwen plunged in and out of her. Gwen’s rhythm matched Eden’s own frantic rhythm as she began to suckle the pulse point of Eden’s neck.

Eden could feel her body slamming into the wall as Gwen’s body pressed urgently against her. The sounds of her cries and the splashing of the water filled her ears as her blue eyes snapped shut. She felt the climax tear through her body as Gwen took her harder. Eden was lost as Gwen took her higher until she finally collapsed against her lover’s body. They clung to each other as the aftershocks trickled through Eden’s body.

"That’s going to leave a mark." Gwen chuckled against her shoulder. She tried to see the hickey she knew was forming.

"Good," Eden said boldly as her hands once again began to roam up and down Gwen’s back. "It’ll give Tisha something to talk about." Gwen chuckled lightly.

Eden felt her lover become still in her arms. "Eden?" the blonde said softly.

"Yes?" Eden responded tenderly.

"Spend the night with me," Gwen responded with equal tenderness.

"Yes," Eden responded with a promising kiss.

They reluctantly climbed out of the water and Eden took her lover’s hand. "I think I’m going to like this neighborhood," Gwen teased the smiling brunette as she led her into her home.

THE END

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