KIM BALDWIN. leaning forward, began to plant soft kisses on Gable’s neck as her hands drifted upward

leaning forward, began to plant soft kisses on Gable’s neck as her hands drifted upward.

Gable closed her eyes and sighed, relishing the feel of the small hands cupping her breasts, of Erin’s delicate F ngers as they played lightly over her nipples, which were already hard and sensitive. She wanted more, much more, but she forced herself to let Erin set the pace.

This is new to her. For God’s sake, don’t scare her off! It took every ounce of restraint she had not to rip Erin’s clothes off and take her in a rush of frenzied desire. For though she had been with women before, it had never been like this. She had never felt so totally and thoroughly aroused, so out of control, so desperate to touch and be touched.

Erin seemed to sense her controlled impatience, or perhaps she was feeling an equal measure of need and want. She pulled off Gable’s tank top and dipped her head to take her right nipple in her mouth, sucking, nipping lightly with her teeth, as her hands found the clasp and zipper of Gable’s jeans and undid them.

Groaning, Gable threaded her F ngers through Erin’s hair, pulling her closer, encouraging a deeper touch. Erin’s mouth sucked her harder, and Gable groaned again, then her jeans and underwear were being pushed down over her hips.

Erin’s mouth left her as she stepped out of her clothes, putting one hand on Erin’s shoulder for balance. She stood naked in the soft light of the candles.

Erin’s gaze appraised her with wonder—and obvious approval.

“You have a beautiful body, Gable,” she said in a hushed voice, as her eyes lingered on the soft brown triangle of hair at the apex of Gable’s thighs.

“I’m awful glad you think so,” Gable reached for Erin’s T-shirt.

Her restraint was slipping. She had to touch her. And right now. She pulled the thin cotton garment over Erin’s head, exposing the full, round breasts that had taunted her in her dreams. “Beautiful,” she whispered, her voice unrecognizable.

Erin trembled as Gable undid her jeans and slid them off, along with her cream silk panties. The downy F ne hair beneath was a shade lighter than the hair on her head. Gable took her hand and led her to the bed, and they climbed under the covers and faced each other, lying on their sides.

• 178 •

FORCE OF NATURE