He’d already started doing it, honestly, and she was surprised it had taken nearly half the year for him to pull some of his antics. Then again, he did have elections in the upcoming year to worry about, and rumor had it, he was running for more than just the school board. Not that he’d ever tell her.

  Frowning, Esther rinsed the soap from her hair and added conditioner. She wasn’t in the shower much longer, and when she stepped out into the hall with her hair wrapped up and her pajamas back on since she didn’t know if Melanie was awake or not, she felt lighter. She had made a good decision for herself, a somewhat selfish one in some ways, but one that she would benefit from for the time being.

  “I started coffee. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Esther spun around surprised to see Melanie leaning against the wall to the kitchen, her legs crossed at her ankles, and her arms folded neatly in front of her. Melanie’s gaze dropped all the way down to Esther’s toes and then back up, and thankfully the hot shower masked the heat rushing through Esther’s body at just the mere thought of what was going through Melanie’s mind with that look.

  “Oh uh…I don’t. I didn’t know how long you’d sleep.”

  One corner of Melanie’s mouth quirked up, her shirt wrinkled from the night of sleeping, still wearing the sleep pants Esther had lent her, tight across her hips. Esther swallowed hard again, this time unsure if the shower masked anything. Judging by the light in Melanie’s eyes, she was betting it didn’t.

  Melanie stayed right where she was, that direct gaze not unnerving but intoxicating. “I won’t lie about it, but I had hoped you were going to come out of there with only a towel on.”

  Esther’s breath caught and her clit tingled at just the thought of what might have happened had she done that. Because she wanted it. That had never been in doubt for her. She wanted Melanie, but to hear Melanie say the same so bluntly and beautifully, without expectation, without pushing—God, it made her want Melanie more.

  They had only kissed once, but Esther had wondered so many times over what it would be like to do it again. To feel Melanie pressed against her, fully without worries and barriers and stresses. Giving in, Esther dug her bare toes into the hardwood floor as she changed direction and walked directly to Melanie, leaning up on her toes and pressing their mouths together.

  Melanie groaned lightly, but she didn’t move. She didn’t untangle her arms or shift off the wall. Esther reached up and curled her hand around Melanie’s cheek, sliding it down to her neck then into the short hair at the back of her head. She drew Melanie in, deepening the embrace until their tongues tangled slowly, deliciously.

  Her heart picked up speed, and Esther threw everything she had into this one moment. Eventually, Melanie shifted slightly, pressing her palms to Esther’s sides to hold her and keep her in place as they continued to kiss. Esther grinned and pecked Melanie’s lips as she pulled away.

  “Maybe next time then,” Esther stated firmly with a lightness to her tone she hadn’t anticipated but loved.

  “Next time what?” Melanie looked thoroughly confused.

  “I’ll only wear a towel.” With a laugh, Esther walked toward her bedroom to get dressed.

  After coffee, they walked to Melanie’s house and spent the entire day with all of her kids and grandkids. Esther loved meeting Jeremy, who was clearly the calm force in the family of women. He was young, so he had energy, but he didn’t seem to give in to the antics of everyone else, and it was a respite she loved seeing.

  She sat with him while Melanie and Ella made a quick lunch for everyone. Esther looked him over and smiled. “You know, you’re not quite what I expected.”

  Jeremy looked almost offended by that. “What did you expect?”

  “You’re a balance to all your sisters. Did you know that?”

  He grinned. “Oh, yeah, that. Our first mom was not stable, so I was the stability for all of them for a long time, until we moved here. It took me a while to let Mom do it, but eventually I gave in. Still, I maintained this cool persona.”

  Esther snickered. “Yes, let’s call it cool.”

  “Hey! It is.”

  “Sure.” Esther laughed again. “Melanie said you’re in graduate school?”

  “I’m studying to be an audiologist.”

  “Interesting field to go into.”

  He nodded and cocked his head at her. “I want to work in the schools when I’m done. Why did you go into teaching?”

  “Oh.” Esther sighed, her eyes going wide. She’d been asked that question so many times during interviews, but she always had a standard response. For some reason, she didn’t want to give Jeremy that rote answer. “I love kids, and not just in the kids-are-awesome way. I absolutely love how they learn and grow and change. They’re such sponges and ready for any kind of information we throw at them.”

  “Mom says the same thing.”

  “Does she?” Esther flicked a glance toward the kitchen. “It’s true. Kids are what makes my day. I could do without the rest of it, but seeing those moments when something clicks for each individual child is absolutely beautiful. It’s what keeps me teaching, honestly.”

  Jeremy grinned at her, a full-mouthed, wide grin. “You sound just like her.”

  “Just like who?” Melanie asked as she came into the living room.

  “You.” He laughed. “I asked Esther why she went into teaching.”

  “Did you now?” Melanie asked him, but her gaze was focused on Esther. “I suppose I should ask her that some time.”

  “Maybe you should,” Esther murmured, not dropping the look.

  Jeremy shifted uncomfortably. “I’d say get a room, but I suppose you did that last night.”

  Melanie turned on him, the patented mom-look aimed in his direction. Esther stepped in to stop whatever Melanie might say that would give up what had or hadn't happened the night before. “Were you coming to tell us lunch is ready?”

  “Yes.” Melanie looked at Esther, her gaze softening. Then she pointed at Jeremy firmly. “You get to eat last, so the rest of us actually get some.”

  “Skimping on making enough again?” Jeremy teased as he stood up and walked toward the kitchen. “Fine, I’ll sacrifice my stomach for the benefit of the women.”

  Melanie punched him lightly in the arm, and he feigned severe injury before laughing and walking off. Esther finally rose from the chair she’d been sitting in and stood next to Melanie, who grabbed her hand and squeezed. “We can leave if you want.”

  “I’m enjoying being here,” Esther answered honestly. “I like getting to know you through their eyes.”

  Melanie snorted. “Sure, believe their distorted view of me.”

  “I will, thank you. Lunch?”

  Melanie gave a light frown before they went into the kitchen. So far Esther’s day had taken quite a turn, and she was glad it had. This was the family she’d always hoped to have and hoped to give Anthony—they were happy, and they enjoyed each other. The only person in her family who she enjoyed was Carissa, and she could easily see Carissa and her little family sliding right in to fit here. Maybe someday that would happen, so long as Esther dared herself to dream.

  The day had only gotten better for Melanie as she’d watched Esther with her family. She fit right in, and Melanie loved seeing it. Something about the day was so easy compared to any other chunk of time they had spent together. But as always, the night had to come to an end.

  Melanie wrapped herself up in her wool jacket, always wanting to walk Esther home. On the one hand it was because she wanted to be able to spend more time with her, but on the other hand, she wanted to make sure that Esther got home safely and Skip wasn’t waiting at her house with any kind of surprise. She’d instinctively made that decision several times, most of it unconscious until she had really thought about it the night before when she’d lain in Esther’s bed, attempting to fall asleep.

  That had not been easy, but Melanie wasn’t going to leave Esther alone, not after what she had shared. She’d texted all four of her kids, told them her friend needed her, and that she’d see them in the morning. They knew where she was, but they were also old enough to handle emergencies on their own or find her if needed.

  This time, as they went, Melanie slid Esther’s arm into her own so they walked together down the half-broken sidewalk the two blocks. They huddled against the cold, but it was a sensation Melanie was getting very used to feeling.

  With Esther’s arm in hers, Melanie knew this was right. They had slowly inched their way toward it for months, and finally they were at a breaking point. She sensed it in her bones. Every stride they had made together was leading up to this one moment.

  When they got to Esther’s door, Melanie ducked her chin, hope filling her entire body that Esther might invite her in. That they might get to kiss again. She dragged their goodbye out like she was a teenager on her first date. Melanie lifted her chin and smiled.

  “I’m really glad you came over today.”

  “Me too,” Esther said with a grin, one that lit up her entire face. “I really enjoyed getting to know Jeremy.”

  “Good, good.” Melanie lived into the pause of conversation, and just as she was about to say goodbye, Esther reached forward and grabbed her hand.

  “Stay.”

  “Stay how?”

  Esther giggled. “Stay the night.”

  Melanie pursed her lips, lightness in the move as her gaze roved all over Esther’s face, taking in every change. The air was cold, and when she breathed, little puffs of white left her mouth. Her eyes were wide open, expecting that Melanie would understand exactly what she was asking, but Melanie wanted to be sure. Last night was solely for comfort. She’d known that. But would tonight be the same?

  Dashing her tongue across her lips, Melanie raised an eyebrow. “Tell me exactly how I’m staying the night? What are the expectations?”

  Esther’s lips curled upward. “Come inside.”

  Melanie was moving toward the door before she knew what she was doing. Stepping inside, the light in Esther’s eyes hadn’t dimmed. It had only gotten brighter. Esther reached forward and undid the three buttons on Melanie’s coat, pushing the sides apart and off her shoulders. Melanie gripped the material and tossed it over the back of the couch.

  “Are we doing this?” Melanie whispered, leaning in and wrapping her arms around Esther’s back to drag her in closer. She nuzzled her nose into Esther’s neck, breathing in her scent and closing her eyes at just the feel of being this close to her. “Are you ready?”

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever be fully ready, Mel,” Esther murmured, sliding her hands between them to unzip her own jacket. Esther dropped it to the floor and didn’t bother to put it away properly. It seemed so unlike her, but maybe this was the Esther that Melanie had waited for.

  “I don’t want to if you’re not ready or if last night is too fresh.” Melanie moved away so she could look into those beautiful blue-gray eyes, the eyes that were the gateway to everything inside this woman.

  “Like I said,” Esther trailed off as she stepped impossibly closer. She reached up, tracing one finger over the curve of Melanie’s cheek, over her chin, and down her neck. “I won’t ever be fully ready. That’s not how it works for me.”

  “How does it work then?”

  “I talk myself into it. Get myself mentally in the right mindset.”

  “And are you in that mindset now?” Melanie listed forward, their lips almost touching, but she pulled back at the last minute. “I need to know that you want this.”

  “I want it.” Esther looked up into Melanie’s eyes. “Trust me, I want you.”

  Esther moved in swiftly, capturing Melanie’s lips with her own. This time there was no calm, slow heat to their kisses. It was all passion. Esther’s hands were in her hair, dragging her down and locking their mouths together. Melanie groaned as they plastered together. Every nerve in her body tingled as if she had been waiting for this for her entire life, which maybe she had been. Maybe this had been what she was missing from life, someone she cared so deeply for that she couldn’t deny what was inside, someone she was so connected with that she couldn’t give it up.

  Melanie cupped the back of Esther’s head and dipped her down slightly, deepening their embrace. Esther’s arms wrapped tightly around her back to hold on as they continued to kiss, their tongues tangling and dancing. Melanie lost herself in the moment, she was drowning in it willingly.

  It had never been this way with someone before. She’d never felt so completely intoxicated by them that she knew she couldn’t breathe without them. She needed Esther. She needed this connection that the two of them shared. Skimming a hand down Esther’s front, over her breast, to her hip, Melanie closed her eyes.

  Everywhere Esther touched left a wake of fire that vanished in seconds. Melanie’s entire body was tuned to the slide of Esther’s mouth against hers, the brush of their breasts together, the rough fabric against her skin that would certainly feel better if it was Esther instead.

  Melanie groaned again, putting a hand on Esther’s hip and breaking the kiss. “Esther, I’ve never done this before.”

  “I know,” Esther answered, all confidence and coolness in her tone. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

  “Sure you do.” Esther winked. “Trust me, you know exactly what you’re doing.”

  “I don’t.” Melanie shook her head, holding her breath tightly. Kissing she could manage, perhaps even a little fondling, but beyond that, she’d never touched another woman like this.

  “Trust me,” Esther whispered again, lacing their fingers together to take Melanie back toward the bedroom they had slept in the night before.

  As soon as she was halfway in the room, Esther turned around and walked slowly backward toward the bed while pulling her clothes off piece by piece. Melanie’s eyes were glued to Esther’s chest, to her pert breasts, her slight curves. Every inch of skin that was revealed distracted her from what she’d just been looking at. She couldn’t get enough.

  Melanie reached down and lifted her shirt over her head, dropping it onto the floor. She shucked her shoes and jeans as quickly as possible and stepped right up to Esther, wrapping their bodies together, bare skin to bare skin for the first time.

  She sighed at the pleasantness of it all.

  Esther tumbled backward, taking Melanie with her. She laughed as they landed on the mattress and rolled to her side so she didn’t squish Esther more than necessary. Esther giggled as she got up onto her knees and trapped Melanie between her legs. Bending down, she locked their lips together again, only this time there was an underlying sense of joy to it. Freedom perhaps.

  Melanie couldn’t get enough of it.

  She loved it. Tangling her fingers in Esther’s hair, she held on as if her entire world rested in this one moment, in this merging of their bodies fully. Sucking in a breath, Melanie waited to see what Esther would do next, and she wasn’t disappointed. Esther moved down, planting kisses along Melanie’s collar bone, her breast bone, then her breasts. The kisses were feather light at first and then became far more forward.

  When the tip of Esther’s tongue teased her nipple, Melanie’s entire back arched off the bed. Esther laughed at Melanie’s moan and moved back up to kiss her loudly. “I love that you make noises.”

  “Do you?” Melanie drew in a ragged breath, trying to get her brain to catch up with what was happening.

  “Yes,” Esther muttered as she bent back down, kissing Melanie’s hard nipple loudly. “It tells me what you like.”

  “Right now I like just about anything you’re doing.”

  Esther chuckled. “Eventually we’ll find something you don’t like, I’m sure. Just tell me when that happens.”

  “Same goes for you,” Melanie answered, groaning again as Esther slid fingers between her legs.

  “Tell me if you want me to do something else,” Esther stated as she dropped kisses down Melanie’s stomach to her hips.

  “Right.” Melanie only hoped she’d have the brain power to tell Esther, though at this point, she was pretty sure Esther could do just about anything she wanted and Melanie would try it out.

  Esther’s wet tongue trailed a path across her hip bone and down between her legs. Instead of diving right in, she playfully nipped at the inside of Melanie’s thigh.

  “Are you ready?” Esther echoed Melanie’s question from before.

  Melanie wasn’t even sure she could formulate words at that point. Her brain was absolute mush as she focused on everything her body was telling her. She was excited, she was elated, she was anticipating that this would be a night to remember even if the sex wasn’t all that great. She wanted to be here with Esther, no matter what. Opening her eyes, Melanie gazed down at Esther, at that curious and confident look, at her youth, at her freedom in this moment. That was exactly what this was, freedom from their pasts in every way possible.

  “Yes,” Melanie answered, fully confident that she wouldn’t ever take it back.

  “Good.” Esther didn’t wait this time. She covered Melanie’s clit with her mouth, sliding her tongue in slow, teasing circles. Melanie’s thighs tightened, and her fingers clenched the sheets under her as her lips parted and she closed her eyes tightly.

  This was what they had worked toward from the very first moment they had met. They had teased, they had flirted, they had both broken down walls and found each other wanting more. Melanie’s stomach clenched tightly as every ounce of pleasure in her body sparked as if lit and then moved right to where Esther’s tongue teased her. This was the next step in their journey, but Melanie knew in the center of her gut that it wasn’t the last.

  Esther teased her using only her mouth, bringing her higher with each swipe of her tongue. Melanie struggled to stay as still as possible until she gave in and moved her body with each wave that rushed through her. As she came, Esther pushed down on her hips, wrapping her arms around her legs and holding on.