Page 96 of Beaches, Bagels & Babes
In a whisper, she suggested, “Much as I enjoy the view, you might want these.”
It was only then, as the adrenaline died down and the coldset in, that Daisy realized she was buck naked. She was not sure why, but a wave of embarrassment coursed through her. With shaking hands, she took the bundle of clothes Candace offered. Sheepishly, she met the woman’s gaze, expecting her to be even more ashamed at being caught.
Instead, Candace burst into happy giggles. Helping with the blazer arm holes, she told her, “You’re so cute. Hurry up, or I might be tempted to take another ‘sample’ right here.”
It was as much of a threat as it was an offer. Adulthood, and not catching public indecency charges, won out. Daisy finished clothing herself at a record pace, despite the sand caked in all sorts of unpleasant places.
The faster she dressed, the sooner she (with Candace’s help) would be able to undress.
Daisy took Candace’s hand as they emerged from the thicket. Overhead, the barest bit of moonlight broke through the storm clouds, casting them in a mysterious glow. Like echoes of a summer’s dream, they fled into the misty night.
On the way back to Daisy’s house, it was a trial to keep their hands in polite places. The pair made it as far as the outdoor shower. Crashing into the confined wooden stall before the water had even begun to heat, they warmed each other.
Daisy lost herself to the feel of taffy-smooth skin, etching her claim with caresses soft and rough across every place she could touch.
Candace Perry washers.
To kiss.
To adore.
To build a life with, even if that life was as simple as being together.
When the shower started to run lukewarm, they went inside. Wordless aside from stuttered gasps and moans, thumps as they bumped against walls and furniture, they landed in Daisy’s bedroom. There, they traded in all the secrets their bodies and souls could share. A discovery and a dedication built on a love that was, at last, let flourish.
Daisy was desperate not to let the evening end. She watched the woman, who nestled against her as if it were the most natural state in the world, fall into a deep slumber.
What if this was all a dream?
Yet, when Daisy woke the next morning to the pitter patter of rain on her window, Candace was still there—adorably snoozing and cutting off the circulation to her arm. She wanted to stay like this all day. Unfortunately, Bagel Bombs! was not a rubble heap yet, and someone needed to make sure the place was boarded up tight. She would not put it past Peter Perry to charge her if the storm took the whole roof off.
A giddy smile wobbled Daisy’s lips as she untangled herself. She did not mean to wake her. Even so, Candace’s eyes fluttered open, looking like sapphires in the pre-dawn muted grays.
“Morning,” she greeted Daisy in a sleepy, smiley mumble. Bundled under the discount-store appropriated comforter, she snuggled closer.
“Sorry. I was trying to let you sleep.”
“More like trying to get out while you can, hm?”
“It’s my house.” Laughing once at the joke and again in bewilderment at her life, Daisy shook her head. “My Bagel Bombs! duty calls.”
“I’ll come with you.”
Candace started to sit up, and Daisy’s attention flew to her newly exposed cleavage.Boobs. Candace Perry’s, with their peach-pink nipples marked with love-bites that were just starting to show.
Daisy gave her head another, harsher shake.
“No. It looks like Hurricane Mandy is on her way, so Beach Patrol’ll be clearing the boards soon. I’m just gonna make sure things are buttoned up. If you come, it’ll take twice as long because I won’t be able to keep my hands to myself. You have off from the pier, right?”
Flopping back down onto her belly, Candace let loose a cat-like yawn.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m sure my uncle flagged my badge scan at the coaster and checked the security footage. I bet he threw a fabulous fit, shame I couldn’t see. I’ll type up a formal resignation once I get my laptop. And coffee.”
“I can handle the coffee part, plus breakfast if you’re okay with something fast.”
“Eggs and toast?”
“Woof, steep order, there.” Daisy took on a mock-indignant tone. “I bet you’ll expect some butter and jam, too? Typical. If that’s what it takes to make her highness happy, I guess I’ll have to find a way to manage.”
