Athena focused only on what she was doing, trying to ignore Monti between her legs. When her third orgasm slipped through her, she was able to ignore it after a few steadying breaths and really concentrate on Monti. Athena clasped her hands around Monti’s thighs and pulled her down hard. This was her moment, when she could show Monti exactly what she’d meant earlier.

  She had to stop being scared.

  Fear was the enemy.

  Nothing else.

  Monti grunted before she whimpered. She kissed Athena’s leg, licked her, scraped her teeth against her. But Athena didn’t stop. She kept everything going, putting all her energy and effort into teasing Monti into oblivion. They were in this together. No matter what they did. And Athena wanted that with no one else.

  Monti collapsed onto the couch, her hips twisted, which prevented Athena from doing anything else to her. Athena trailed her fingers up and down Monti’s legs, where she could touch, and she held on, just letting the moment settle through them.

  The silence was so comforting.

  They didn’t need to talk. They didn’t need words for what was between them. It was just them, wholly and authentically.

  Finally, Monti rustled around and moved. She flipped back and lay on top of Athena’s prone form. They kissed, mouths pressed together, eyes closed. All Athena felt was comfort, sweet surrender, and more peace than she had ever dreamed possible. She wouldn’t give this up for the world.

  This right here was what she’d longed for.

  And she hadn’t even known it.

  “I love you,” she said again, ready to say it so many times that Monti would get sick and tired of hearing it.

  “And I love you,” Monti answered, with a kiss to Athena’s cheek. “But this couch has got to go.”

  Athena laughed. “What do you suggest?”

  “A bed. A really big, comfy bed with fluffy covers and heavenly pillows.”

  “Are you tired already?” Athena used her fingers to tickle Monti’s sides.

  Monti jerked sharply, a laugh bubbling up from her chest. “No! Not that you’d let me sleep anyway.”

  “Not yet. We still have a few hours before midnight.”

  “Oh Jesus.”

  “Oh yes.” Athena found Monti’s lips with hers. “Are you ready?”

  “More than ever.”

  epilogue

  TWO YEARS LATER…

  Monti hooked her thumbs in her backpack as she straightened up and looked out over Kathmandu. The city below her was stunningly gorgeous. But it wasn’t as gorgeous as the red-cheeked woman with ice blue eyes, huffing as she climbed up the rest of the mountain to join Monti. Athena had thrown her hair into a messy bun when they’d started the hike, and now she had loose strands around her ears from her exertion.

  “You said this was an easy hike,” Athena pouted as she reached the small area where Monti had stopped.

  She was adorable. Monti would never deny that.

  “I lied.” Monti kissed Athena’s cheek and dropped her backpack to the ground. It had been a relatively easy hike. Monti just forgot that Athena wasn’t as used to these outdoor activities as she was. Without a beat, Monti pulled the hose from Athena’s CamelBak and put it to her lips. “Drink before you faint. I definitely want you awake for this.”

  Giving a wry smile, Athena sucked down the water as commanded. When she was done, she dropped the backpack to the ground and slowed her breathing. Monti stood just over her shoulder, skimming her hands down Athena’s arms and clasping their fingers together. She rested her chin on Monti’s shoulder and hugged her from behind.

  “Are you glad you came?” Monti asked, though she already knew the answer. They’d planned this trip on and off for the last year. A culmination of their relationship together. A next step they’d wanted to take.

  “In more ways than one.” Athena laughed lightly, sending Monti a teasing look before focusing back on the city. She reached up and snagged Monti’s hands, pulling Monti more tightly against her. “But to answer your actual question, yes. I am.”

  “Good.” Monti kissed her cheek, she dropped her lips to Athena’s neck, sucking gently before she scraped her teeth. She had missed Athena’s flirting, and she loved hearing it every time. “I’m so glad you agreed to come with me.”

  “Like I would have said no to this.” Athena reached up, threading her hands in Monti’s hair and pushing Monti against her.

  “You had quite a few lawsuits going on lately.” Monti continued to nuzzle her face into Athena’s neck. A rightness settled into her chest. They had worked so hard to get to where they were, and the journey had been worth every step. Every day they’d woken up and chosen this. Monti couldn’t have asked for anything else.

  “Had. But it’s done now. It’s all done.” Athena turned around in Monti’s arms and wrapped her arms around Monti’s back.

  “And you won.” Monti kissed her cheek, and Athena tilted her head to the side to give Monti more access. This was their celebration trip along with their commitment trip. The two couldn’t have been better matched. “You got Gwen and Zoe some justice.”

  “Some, yes.” Athena pressed their mouths together, sliding her tongue against Monti’s lips. “It’ll never be enough.”

  “It never is.” Monti fell into the embrace. She’d waited a long time to bring Athena here, but every time Monti had mentioned it, Athena had held back. They’d traveled so many places in the last two years, but they’d never been here. And finally, they’d made plans and they were here. Finally, Athena’s dream of coming back to Kathmandu was a reality.

  But today they had special plans.

  This wasn’t just a trip for nothing. Or even a trip for an easy adventure.

  Monti threaded her fingers into Athena’s hair, keeping their mouths close and together. Monti had picked this place specifically, spending hours trying to find someplace that was secluded and beautiful, where they could do this, just the two of them.

  “Are you ready?”

  “No,” Athena mumbled. “But I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Monti kissed her again. “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.” Athena laughed, putting her hands on Monti’s shoulders. “Stop asking that already.”

  “You know me. I always have to make sure.”

  “It’s only a small part of what I love about you.” Athena slid her thumb over Monti’s lips and then down her neck to her breast. Monti held back her moan, though barely. She loved how confident Athena had gotten in the last couple years. How willing Athena was to touch her. Kiss her. Love her.

  “Hold that thought.” Monti let go of Athena so that she could rummage through her pack. She had everything they needed.

  She set it up on the higher part of the hill and then indicated to Athena to sit next to her. They faced each other. Monti had never been so elated in her life. There hadn’t been peace every moment, but she’d found enough signs of it that she believed it was there. Perhaps more than that, she believed that she had experienced it.

  “Now are you ready?”

  “Yes.” Athena fluttered her fingers over Monti’s hand. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”

  “Have you?” For some reason that surprised Monti. She’d figured that after agreeing, Athena would have avoided thinking about it in her best fashion.

  “Absolutely.”

  As if on cue, Athena took hold of Monti’s wrist, wrapping her fingers tightly in a squeeze. Monti turned her wrist and mirrored the grasp. Monti used her free hand to pull the ribbons closer. She’d spent hours weaving the fabric together into the rope it had become, choosing the material and the colors so that it would specifically represent them.

  “This is for us, binding us together in a new way.”

  “We’re already inextricably tied together,” Athena responded.

  Monti warmed at that thought. It was so true. In two years, she had learned more about Athena than she’d ever dreamed possible. They’d spent countless hours together, in each other’s arms, talking, reading, sharing.

  “I love you, Athena. You’ve shown me a world I never imagined existed.”

  Athena smiled brightly, her eyes lighting up. She leaned in and kissed Monti quickly. “I love how intuitive you are, how you take such good care of me when I don’t even realize I need it, how you’re always there.”

  “I love your strength and tenacity.” Monti wrapped the rope she’d made around each of their hands carefully, following the pattern she’d learned and practiced. “I love how you’ve changed me.”

  “You’ve changed me in amazing ways. We’ve grown so much together.” Athena caressed Monti’s cheek, not dropping her gaze from Monti’s face. “I love how you love me.”

  Monti couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. Opening her heart to Athena had been the best decision she’d made in years. She finished the tying. When she looked down at their hands, she felt nothing but hope.

  “We’re in this together. Whatever this is. Wherever this is. Wherever this leads us.” Monti started to pull her hand away and Athena released her grasp. They each snagged the end of the rope and pulled tightly, forming the knot perfectly. “This knot binds us together, our lives, our pasts, our futures.”

  “You and me,” Athena answered, still holding onto the knot. “I’m never going to let go.”

  Monti sucked in a deep breath of fresh air. The grin lit her up, light filling her soul. Holding onto the knotted rope, she pulled Athena in for a deep kiss. Their tongues swept together in a tease of what was to come, but Monti knew they weren’t done yet. She pulled out the small water bottle she’d packed, the one with the wine in it.

  She twisted off the top and held it between them. “This is a sign of us coming together, of the work, the time, the effort that relationships take. And it’s a sign of our commitment to each other to always come together when we’re struggling, to give each other grace, to be joyful, to remember to take time to relax and take comfort in each other’s arms.”

  Athena pulled the bottle from Monti’s hand and took a sip. “This is a sign of our commitment to each other, from when we first met to when we part.”

  Monti took her sip, the red wine hitting her tongue, the flavors lingering in her mouth. She twisted the cap back on the bottle and set it down. This time, when she pulled Athena toward her, she wasn’t going to stop kissing until she had to.

  They stayed there for hours, laughing, talking, enjoying this peaceful moment for the two of them. No one knew. No one had to know. Monti dragged in a deep breath and blew it out when the sun started to go down.

  “We should probably head back.”

  “Probably. I barely made it up here,” Athena laughed lightly, resting her head on Monti’s shoulder.

  “It’s a thirty-minute walk. I think we’ll make it.”

  “So you say.” Athena sighed, but she stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.

  Monti packed everything up and then held up Athena’s CamelBak so she could put it on before sliding her arms through her own pack. They walked hand in hand for a bit until the path was too narrow for them to walk side-by-side. As much as nothing felt different, Monti knew it was.

  “You know the best lesson I think you ever taught me?” Athena started as she waited for Monti to catch up.

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s better to live without shame.”

  Monti smiled, her cheeks flushing at the thought. “How’s that coming along?”

  “It’s easier said than done.” Athena chuckled. “I think you understand that.”

  “I do.” Monti snagged Athena’s hand and lifted it to her lips. “But I’m glad you understand that.”

  “I didn’t realize how much shame I carried with me.” Athena kissed her cheek. “The world is so different now that I’m aware of it.”

  Monti settled into the walk again. They talked amicably until they reached their hotel. Monti set everything down where it belonged. She hadn’t planned anything beyond their day up on the hill, and they had a few more days to explore the city. She had no doubt that Athena had already taken to finding something for them to do.

  As much as Monti loved Athena’s love for planning, she also appreciated a simple walk through the city with nothing on their agenda.

  “I wish there was a beach nearby,” Athena called from the bathroom.

  Monti frowned, not understanding. “Why?” They could have very easily done this anywhere, but Athena had wanted it to happen here. Something about wanting to explore her past again.

  “Because I’d love to go skinny dipping with you.” Athena stepped out of the bathroom and leaned against the doorframe. She raised her hand above her arm, naked as the day she was born.

  Monti sucked in a sharp breath, her entire body ready to go. Her jaw dropped. This was Athena in all her glory and in all her confidence. The scars that marred her skin were nothing now. Her past only built her up instead of tearing her down. Monti had never seen anything as sexy as this.

  “You are amazing,” Monti breathed the words.

  “Do you like what you see?”

  “I’ve always loved what I’ve seen of you. Every single bit.” Monti stepped in closer, their lips touching. She smiled as she kissed Athena again. “I love you.”

  “Fuck me already.”

  With a laugh, Monti answered, “Yes, ma’am.”

  about the author

  Adrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with an age gap twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life.

  AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious youngsters, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Ream.

  my boss’s stalker: spoiler it’s not me

  An unrequited crush. A stalker on the loose. Will she be able to save her boss?

  Zoe’s boss is a force to be reckoned with. And Zoe has had a crush on Gwen Fudala for the last three years. In a twist of events, Zoe drunkenly ends up on the phone with Gwen while in a compromising position. But it sparks a wildfire that neither can put out.

  Still, something isn’t right.

  Gwen is being stalked. Vowing to let nothing happen to her boss, Zoe winds up tangled in the stalker’s game. Unable to see which way is out and loyal to a fault, Zoe sticks by Gwen’s side through thick and thin.

  Can they navigate a relationship under the watchful eye of a perpetrator?

  Or does the stalker have a new target?

  My Boss’s Stalker is a steamy age gap sapphic romantic suspense. Follow these two as they navigate complicated relationships, fear, and unexpected serenity.

  Read it today

  also by adrian j. smith

  Free Books just for you!

  Energy Feed (Quarter Life prequel)

  Memoir in the Making

  Romance

  Memoir in the Making

  OBlique

  Love Burns

  About Time

  Admissible Affair

  Daring Truth

  Indigo: Blues (Indigo B&B #1)

  Indigo: Nights (Indigo B&B #2)

  Indigo: Three (Indigo B&B #3)

  Indigo: Storm (Indigo B&B #4)

  Indigo: Law (Indigo B&B #5)

  When the Past Finds You

  Don’t Quit Your Daydream

  Love Me At My Worst

  Inside These Halls

  Maybe Someday

  My Boss’s Stalker: Spoiler It’s Not Me

  Crime/Mystery/Thriller

  For by Grace (Spirit of Grace #1)

  Fallen from Grace (Spirit of Grace #2)

  Grace through Redemption (Spirit of Grace #3)

  Lost & Forsaken (Missing Persons #1)

  Broken & Weary (Missing Persons #2)

  Young & Old (Missing Persons #3)

  Alone & Lonely (Missing Persons #4)

  Stone’s Mistake (Agent Morgan Stone #1)

  Stone’s Homefront (Agent Morgan Stone #2)

  Fantasy/Science Fiction

  Forever Burn (James Matthews #1)

  Dying Embers (James Matthews #2)

  Ashes Fall (James Matthews #3)

  Unbound (Quarter Life #1)

  De-Termination (Quarter Life #2)

  Release (Quarter Life #3)

  Beware (Quarter Life #4)

  Dead Women Don’t Tell Tales (Tales of the Undead & Depraved #.5)

  Thieving Women Always Lose (Tales of the Undead & Depraved #1)

  Scheming Women Seek Revenge (Tales of the Undead & Depraved #2)

  Broken Women Fight Back (Tales of the Undead & Depraved #3)

  Deep Sounding Chaos (Love, Tails & Battle Wails #1)

 

 

  Adrian J. Smith, Shameless Expectations

 

 

  Thank you for reading books on GrayCity.Net
Share this book with friends