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didn t include her. Standing in the shadowed hallway, she felt like a moth floating just
outside a circle of light. She would love to go to it, become a part of it, but she might get
burned. Silently, she continued to the bathroom to take care of her needs.
When she returned to her room, she knew she couldn t sleep again. She was sick of
bed, having spent hours in it. Turning on her bedside light, she picked up the novel she d
been reading. Propped against her pillows with the book open on her lap, she gazed into
space and relived every detail of what had happened to her earlier in that very bed. It was
more than sex. She d experienced sensual stimulation in every body part and a
surrendering in her mind.
Lost in sense memories, she zoned out and floated on the trancelike edge of sleep
until the door opening caught her attention. Rachel stood, clad in her regular nightwear, a
tank top and shorts. Hey, how you doing? Michael s gone home, but we re invited to
lunch at his place tomorrow. Can t you sleep?
Melissa shrugged.
She came in and sat on the edge of the bed. Can I get you anything? Are you
hungry? Thirsty?
No. I m good. Besides, I m not an invalid. I can get what I need myself.
Rachel nodded. Hey, how long have you been awake? You should ve come out and
joined us. Michael and I were talking for, jeez, I don t even know how long. Hours. He s
so easy to talk to.
Mm. I wouldn t know. I haven t really talked to him that much.
Rachel gazed at her, head cocked slightly. Are you pissed about all of this? Did we
go too far?
No. I told you. It was an amazing experience. I wouldn t take it back for anything.
Guess I m just feeling a little grumpy and worn out. It s a lot to process.
She continued to stare, gray eyes scanning Melissa s as if searching for the truth.
Well, okay. But if you want to talk about anything&
Not tonight. I think I need to be alone. Besides, I m reading this great book. She
indicated the unread book on her lap.
Rachel leaned to cup Melissa s face and kiss her lips. Just so you know. It was
pretty amazing for me, too. I ll never forget it, the way you looked& so beautiful. She
brushed Melissa s hair back from her face. I wanted to hurt you and love you up all at
the same time. I kept thinking of all the times I ve seen you naked, changing in front of
one another, sharing the same bathroom. How could I have looked right through you?
How could I not notice how attractive you were, not allow myself to feel& well, the kinds
of things I ve felt this weekend?
Melissa didn t answer, just listened and thought about times she d seen Rachel nude.
It hadn t occurred to her to examine Rachel s body with anything but dispassionate
interest. Wish my abs were as firm as hers. Or, Oh, she s got a new tat, wonder if I d be
able to stand the needle enough to get one. She d never imagined looking at her friend s
body with lust. Now, Melissa couldn t stop desire from coursing through her veins at the
mere sound of her voice. Something had shifted, and she didn t know if they could ever
go back to the way they were before.
Rachel dropped her hand to her lap and stared down at it. Maybe I did feel attracted
to you all along, but it was buried so deep& She trailed off. Anyway, I just wanted to
say, I don t know what you re feeling, but this is more than just random sex games to me.
I mean, the sex is fantastic, but you re still my best friend, too. There s a whole element
of emotion here I hadn t counted on.
Melissa nodded. She reached out and took Rachel s hand, letting her know she
wasn t alone in her confession. I m a little mixed up right now. Make that a lot. But I
want you to know it isn t all about being with Michael for me anymore. And I hadn t
counted on feeling this way, either. She looked up and met Rachel s gaze.
Rachel traced Melissa s lower lip with her thumb, then leaned in and placed a soft,
sweet kiss on her lips. She rose from the bed. Okay. I ll let you have some time alone.
G night.
Night.
Rachel walked to the door and paused in the doorway. Hey, can I ask one more
thing?
Sure.
Why peanut butter?
Melissa laughed at the unexpected question. I don t know. It has such a nice,
wholesome, safe sound, doesn t it?
Rachel s warm laughter bubbled over, joining hers. Yeah. I guess it does. She
grinned. I wonder how long we could ve gone before you finally used it.
Chapter Nine
By morning, Melissa was starving. But Michael had promised them a full service
brunch late-morning, so she made do with a container of yogurt to tide her over. Her
spirits were improved in the light of day, although she still brooded over what would
happen after the weekend was over. Would Michael and Rachel hook up long-term,
leaving her alone? Would she and Rachel be able to return to their platonic friendship
after knowing each other so intimately? Would the three of them part ways, keeping only
memories of the wild weekend they d once spent? She didn t know if she could stand any
of those options. But she put her concerns behind her and tried to concentrate on enjoying
what was left of their time together.
Michael s apartment turned out to be larger and fancier than the home the two
women shared. No big surprise there as he was a lawyer, albeit on the bottom tier of the
firm.
He welcomed them inside, and Melissa immediately got the impression of space,
light and warmth. The foyer was tiled with rough, sandy stone, and a potted fern stood in
one corner by an antique brass coat rack. Beyond the entry, the floors were a golden pine
wood and the open floor plan ensured no interruption of the light pouring through the
windows. A colorful carpet centered the living room furniture grouping. Plants were
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