Page 18 of Staging Love
"No!" Camilla shook her head. "I mean, no, that's okay. I'm looking forward to our rematch."
The idea of racing down the mountain, wind whipping past them as they navigated the twists and turns of the slope together, was incredibly appealing. At least when they were skiing, she had something other to focus on than the steamy fantasies that now filled every corner of her mind.
They stood at the top of the slope, adjusting their gear and taking in the challenge. The pristine white snow stretched out before them, promising a thrilling descent, but Camilla’s mind was already racing ahead to the conversation they would have later.
"What do you say we head back to the house a bit earlier than everyone else? Maybe we can share a bottle of wine and talk privately? It’s so hard to get a moment to ourselves when my family is around."
"That sounds perfect," Jade said, offering a small smile. As they turned their attention back to the slope, preparing to push off, Camilla felt a spark of hope amidst the whirlwind of emotions. Whatever happened next, whatever this thing between them turned out to be, at least they would figure it out together.
Chapter Thirteen
Steam rose from their mugs of mulled wine, carrying the scent of cinnamon and cloves as Camilla and Jade sat huddled together on the porch. The crackling fire pit and the twinkling lights strung along the eaves lent an almost magical quality to the scene, as if they were cocooned in their own private world.
Camilla's heart raced as she stared into the dancing flames, acutely aware of Jade's presence beside her. They had retreated here to talk, to address the growing tension between them, but now that the moment had arrived, she didn’t know where to begin.
The silence stretched on, filled only by the popping of the fire and the distant hooting of an owl. Camilla took a sip of her wine, hoping the spiced warmth would loosen her tongue. But it was Jade who finally broke the silence.
"Did you mean what you said on the slopes?" she asked softly, her eyes reflecting the firelight as she turned to face Camilla. "About liking it when I kiss you?"
Camilla felt a blush creep up her neck, but she metJade's gaze steadily. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I meant it." She paused, fighting to express the tumult of emotions swirling inside her. "It's strange," she continued. "We've only known each other for a few days, but something has... awakened inside me. It's like a dormant part of myself is suddenly stirring to life."
Her gaze dropped to her hands, clasped tightly around her mug. "I don't know what to do," she confessed. "These feelings, this... desire. It's growing more intense with each passing moment, and I can't seem to stop it. I've never experienced anything like this before."
When she looked up again, she found Jade watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch. It was that look again, the one that made Camilla ache to know what thoughts were swirling behind those captivating blue eyes.
"I haven't been entirely honest with myself either," Jade said after a moment. "I've been taking advantage of this situation, perhaps being more physical than strictly necessary for our charade." She took a deep breath. "The truth is, I'm very attracted to you, Camilla. And I feel something when I'm with you, something that goes beyond just playing a part."
Camilla let out the breath she’d been holding, relief washing over her. She wasn't alone in these confusing new feelings.
"Confession?" Jade said, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Camilla nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"I've always noticed you at the coffee shop," Jade admitted. "Every time you came in for your coffee, I felt a spark of attraction. I've been drawn to you for months, long before this arrangement. I thought about asking you out, but you just seemed so… I don’t know… successful and put together, I suppose. And my life is a mess, so I didn’t think you’d be remotely interested."
Camilla blinked, taken aback by this revelation. "You wanted to ask me out?”
“Yeah.”
“But... I’m not gay," she said, then paused, reconsidering. "At least… I mean…” Camilla’s voice trailed away.
“Women are often curious.” Jade raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Besides, are you sure you’re not gay?"
They both chuckled, the tension easing slightly.
"Maybe a little bit," Camilla conceded. She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Or maybe a lot. I'd like to find out."
Something in the fire popped, sending a shower of sparks into the night sky. Camilla watched them drift upward, feeling as if she too were on the verge of taking flight into unknown territory.
Jade shifted closer, her eyes never leaving Camilla's face. "Then let's find out," she murmured. With exquisite gentleness, she cupped Camilla's face in her hands, her fingers tracing a slow, teasing path along her jawline.
Camilla's breath hitched, anticipation curling through her like fire. When Jade leaned in, their lips met softly at first, a gentle press that sent a shockwave of warmth coursing through Camilla. But then, Jade's lips parted ever so slightly, deepening the kiss. Her tongue teased Camilla's lower lip, a silent invitation that Camilla didn’t hesitate to accept.
A low hum of pleasure escaped Camilla as their tongues brushed, a languid dance that felt both exploratory and intimate. Every movement was deliberate, each stroke of Jade’s tongue against hers drawing her deeper into a haze of puresensation. Camilla's hands found their way into Jade's hair, fingers tangling in the silky strands, pulling her closer, needing more.
The kiss grew bolder, more consuming, as Camilla’s hands drifted down Jade’s neck, her fingertips grazing the exposed skin under her hairline. Jade responded with a soft moan that vibrated against Camilla's lips, sending a thrill through her. The air between them crackled with electricity as their mouths moved hungrily together, tongues tangling, breaths mingling, completely lost in each other.
Jade’s hands weren’t idle either; they slid down from Camilla’s face to her waist, fingers gripping firmly, pulling her flush against her. Camilla’s body responded instinctively, arching into Jade, the heat and want between them growing. Every touch, every brush of lips and tongue, felt like an unspoken confession, each of them revealing more of what lay hidden beneath their layers of pretense.
