The wire and elastic fell away, freeing Ruth’s breasts. She groaned and arched her back to push them into Caitlyn’s touch. As Caitlyn massaged them with languid ministrations, Ruth nipples grew unbearably hard. “That feels good.”

  “I’m glad because I love them. And I think they like me too.” Caitlyn scooted down and draped her body over Ruth’s so that her breasts pushed into Ruth’s belly. Then she lowered her mouth to Ruth’s breast.

  The sensation of Caitlyn’s hot, wet tongue circling the areola overloaded Ruth’s senses, causing her to flinch. “Oh God.”

  Caitlyn looked up. “Too much?”

  “It’s amazing—just intense.” A blush heated Ruth’s cheeks.

  “You’re sensitive.” Caitlyn beamed as though it were a wonderful thing. “I’ll go slow. Let me know if you want me to stop.”

  When Ruth nodded, Caitlyn kissed the swell of Ruth’s breast and then slowly worked her way toward the nipple, pausing every few seconds to simply breathe against Ruth’s skin. Her strokes were painfully slow, and the anticipation made Ruth ache.

  By the time she reached the hard peak, Ruth was a helpless puddle of desire. “Yes. That’s so good. Yes.”

  Caitlyn tasted and teased the nipple until Ruth’s hips rocked up, arching her thigh into Caitlyn’s center. “Oh!”

  Ruth reveled in the sight of Caitlyn’s flushed cheeks and parted lips. Knowing their pleasure was mutual relaxed Ruth further. She lolled her head back and surrendered to Caitlyn’s tongue.

  Caitlyn anchored herself with both hands and nudged her knee between Ruth’s legs, brushing her panties. “Is this okay?”

  Sucking in a breath, Ruth pushed against Caitlyn’s leg. “God, yes.” She pulsed with need.

  They thrust against each other in sync, and Ruth caught herself grinning because it felt good—really good—and she wasn’t nervous. She was happy.

  Caitlyn slid down Ruth’s body and kissed her belly. She stroked Ruth’s sides and hips with both hands, soothing her, before she let them travel south to the fabric of Ruth’s panties, causing her to gasp.

  “Okay?” Caitlyn asked.

  Ruth nodded. “Mmm. Yes. I’m ready.”

  When Caitlyn tugged the panties off, Ruth quivered at the cool air on her sensitive skin. Then warm breath and soft lips tickled her curls.

  Caitlyn touched her gently with her tongue.

  Ruth sucked in a breath. “Oh wow.” The sensation sent licks of heat up her body. “That’s so good.”

  With delicate strokes, Caitlyn traced her way toward the center. She circled and grazed Ruth’s clit before she tasted the place that made Ruth cry out.

  Pleasure flowed through Ruth’s body like water. She arched as pressure built within her, then fell back as she came close to the edge without tumbling over.

  For a split second, Ruth’s old insecurity resurfaced, and she worried Caitlyn would grow tired or frustrated. Then she swatted the thought away. Caitlyn had promised no pressure to come. I trust her. She reached for Caitlyn’s strong shoulders and held on.

  While Caitlyn’s tongue moved like magic, she caressed Ruth’s thighs. Instead of speeding up to urge Ruth toward a climax, she kept a languid pace as though they had all day.

  Ruth’s hips rose and fell as she rode the waves of sensation. When her responses came harder and faster, Caitlyn matched Ruth’s rhythm. Ruth lost all track of time until her muscles tensed, and she dug her nails into Caitlyn’s shoulders. Then it happened—an orgasm that made her clench and tremble. As she rode out the aftershocks, she felt euphoric, not just from physical release but from happiness.

  Ruth panted hard and stared at the ceiling, too spent to speak.

  Caitlyn placed tender kisses on her thighs. She slowly kissed her way up Ruth’s abdomen and then curled up beside her. “That was so hot. The way you taste, the sounds you make. God, I was in heaven.”

  Ruth lolled her head to the side to meet her gaze. “You made it good for me. I felt comfortable, even though it was the first time. Do you know how rare that is for me?”

  Caitlyn glowed. “That’s all I wanted. To be with you and make you feel good.”

  “You did.” Ruth shifted to face her fully. “You always do.” Their breasts brushed against each other, sending goose bumps up her bare arms. An unexpected boldness filled her, and she pulled on Caitlyn’s shirt. “My turn.”

  “If you insist.” With a giddy grin, Caitlyn sat up and removed her top, revealing round breasts in a pink plunge bra with white lace trim. She rolled her leggings off, leaving only the bra and black panties with lace at the waist.

  With her slim belly, model-perfect curves, and smooth hair, Caitlyn could have been posing for a lingerie catalog, but shyness lurked beneath her fluttering eyelashes.

  Ruth’s heart thumped. Despite Caitlyn’s obvious beauty, she had her own insecurities. Ruth looked Caitlyn in the eyes, determined not to hold back. “You’re gorgeous.”

  Caitlyn smiled. “You’re sweet.”

  “And I’ve got two functioning eyes.” Ruth raked her gaze down Caitlyn’s body. “You are perfect.”

  Blushing, Caitlyn reached back and began to fiddle with her bra clasp.

  “Let me.” When Caitlyn nodded, Ruth leaned forward and unhooked the satiny bra. It fell away, and Ruth sucked in a breath at the sight of Caitlyn’s creamy breasts. She watched, transfixed, as Caitlyn pinched the waistband of her panties and slowly worked them down her legs.

  Caitlyn faced Ruth on her knees, fully nude. A trace of insecurity lingered in her gaze.

  “Beautiful. I can’t wait to touch every inch of you,” Ruth said, earning a smile. “Lie down.” She reached for Caitlyn and guided her backward, then straddled her and bent to capture her mouth.

  Caitlyn responded hungrily and wrapped her arms around Ruth. She ran her palms up and down Ruth’s back as they kissed.

  Ruth slipped her tongue inside, indulging in the feel of Caitlyn’s chest heaving against her naked breasts. Even though they had just started, Caitlyn’s nipples were already rock-hard.

  Breaking the kiss, Ruth slid down Caitlyn’s body and lay against her. “Your breasts are delectable.” She cupped them and relished their weight and softness in her palms. When she kissed the generous swell above the nipple, Caitlyn groaned.

  Ruth licked and teased the top of the breast, taking her time, then grazed the hard peak with her tongue.

  Caitlyn gasped and clung to Ruth’s shoulders. Her hips rose, and wetness brushed Ruth’s skin, making her sigh with pleasure.

  Amazing. Every sign of Caitlyn’s enjoyment increased Ruth’s confidence. She took the nipple into her mouth and sucked. When Caitlyn responded with breathless moans, she sucked harder and nipped with her teeth.

  “Oh my God.” Caitlyn’s chest heaved. “Do that again.”

  Ruth complied, savoring the taste and feel against her tongue. She caressed Caitlyn’s belly and hips, then slid her hands beneath Caitlyn to squeeze her ass.

  Caitlyn let out a surprised, high-pitched cry. She giggled and covered her mouth.

  “Don’t.” Ruth squeezed again, slowly this time. “I love the sounds you make.” She placed kisses in a trail down Caitlyn’s belly, enjoying every twitch and moan in response.

  Caitlyn spread her legs in invitation, but Ruth wanted to go slow. She kissed above the mound of Caitlyn’s sex, then down her leg to the delicate flesh of her thighs. Her skin was slick and warm, and the temperature in the room seemed to climb.

  “I want you.” Caitlyn’s voice was breathy. “Oh Jesus. God.”

  “I can tell.” Ruth stroked the curls from the outside before gliding deeper, gently brushing around the edges and near the clit without touching it.

  “Please,” Caitlyn whispered.

  “Soon.” Ruth traced Caitlyn’s slick opening with her finger. “Okay to go inside?”

  “Definitely okay.”

  Ruth entered her with a single finger, finding it glided easily. She looked up to check Caitlyn’s comfort.

  Caitlyn met Ruth’s gaze with a dreamy smile. “It feels really good. You can use two.”

  “Eventually.” Ruth took her time and moved slowly, luxuriating in the intimate connection. After a few minutes, she added a second finger and thrust deeper.

  Caitlyn arched and gasped, pushing against Ruth’s hand. “Oh fuck. That feels good.”

  “You feel good. So wet and ready.” Ruth moved slowly, then faster and deeper. At last, she leaned in to part the curls with her tongue. Her thighs squeezed as she tasted Caitlyn for the first time. Incredible. She licked along the edges of Caitlyn’s clit, letting her tongue swirl and dance. When she gently pressed the center, Caitlyn’s leg kicked the air.

  “I’m going to—Oh fuck. Right there. Don’t stop.” She clenched and curled forward, then shuddered and collapsed.

  Ruth felt the orgasm all around her fingers. When the tremors subsided and Caitlyn lay still, she gently slid them out and cleaned them on the sheet. She blotted her mouth and then moved up the bed to wrap her arms around Caitlyn.

  Caitlyn was still catching her breath. “God. That was awesome.”

  “It was.” Ruth held her closer, luxuriating in the feel of Caitlyn’s loose, uncoordinated limbs lolling against her. The memory of Caitlyn moving against her, surrendering all self-consciousness and control filled her with wonder. “I’d say our first time was a success.”

  Caitlyn shifted and returned the embrace. “It was a success from the moment you got naked with me. Failure isn’t a thing—not when we’re together and loving each other.”

  The word loving filled Ruth with warmth. It wasn’t the big I love you, but the way Caitlyn had cherished every inch of her made her feelings clear. They were falling for each other. “You’re right.” Ruth looked into Caitlyn’s eyes and stroked her cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you for trusting me.” Caitlyn ran her fingers through Ruth’s hair. “I know it’s not easy for you to be vulnerable, and it means a lot.”

  “You’re right; it’s not easy. But you’re worth it.” As the words left her lips, Ruth flashed back to the first time she’d said those words to Caitlyn. Since then, everything had changed, but it was still true. What they had together was worth it.

  Caitlyn’s eyes were misty as she broke into a smile. “So are you.” She kissed Ruth’s forehead. “You know, I have zero issues with lube if you’d like to try penetration sometime.”

  “Yeah?” Ruth looked up to meet Caitlyn’s gaze.

  “Absolutely. In fact, I have some at home that smells like raspberries.”

  Ruth’s chest swelled. Somehow, she’d found someone who accepted every part of her without judgment. She’d never dreamed that someone who had committed identity fraud at her workplace could be the person. Yet against all reason, it had worked out.

  * * *

  The next morning, Caitlyn awoke in a tangle of sheets with her arm slung over Ruth’s boobs. She lifted her head from Ruth’s shoulder and rubbed her eyes with her other hand. “Have you been watching me sleep?”

  Ruth, lying comfortably on her back, watched with an amused smile. “A bit.” Her hair was a mess, falling in three different directions.

  Caitlyn’s heart squeezed. Ruth looks so cute with messy hair. She wished she had her phone to take a picture. But maybe they’d have other mornings like this, until she knew all of Ruth’s looks by heart. The thought made her warm and mushy.

  Ruth ran her fingers along Caitlyn’s arm. “I didn’t want to disturb you. And I suppose I wanted to savor the moment.”

  “Aww.” She removed her arm and scooted upward for a kiss.

  “How long can you stay today?” Ruth’s tone was neutral, but hope glittered in her eyes.

  She wants me to stay. Caitlyn kissed her again. “As long as you want.”

  “I was thinking we might go out for breakfast, to spare you from my cooking. Or brunch, I suppose—it’s already past ten.”

  “Oh wow, I can’t believe we slept so late. It’s a good sign, actually. In the past, I’ve had trouble sleeping next to another person, but it seems like I made myself right at home. Anyway, I’d love to go to brunch. But my clothes…” She pointed to the floor where her leggings and sweater lay in a heap.

  “You can shop in my closet. We’re not the exact same size, but we’re close enough to share clothes.”

  “It’s true.” Caitlyn looked down at the borrowed T-shirt she’d slept in. “A nice perk of dating a woman.”

  They showered and then took Ruth’s car to Maria’s Café, a popular brunch destination in the artsy district of Linvale.

  Caitlyn wondered if Ruth would keep her distance in public, but to her surprise, Ruth took her hand as they walked through the door. When Caitlyn shot her a questioning look, Ruth merely winked, confirming it was no accident.

  She’s amazing. Caitlyn knew that Ruth was private, especially around colleagues. The public acknowledgment of their connection touched her deeply.

  The waitress led them to a small table near the front, in full view of most of the restaurant and anyone who happened to pass by the windows. Ruth accepted the table with a smile, apparently unafraid to be seen by all of Linvale.

  After ordering coffee, they held hands across the table while they each looked at the menu.

  “What do you like best for breakfast?” Caitlyn asked. “Sweet or savory?”

  “I’m a huge fan of both, so it’s always hard to decide.”

  Caitlyn was also torn between various egg combos and decadent French toast. “Why don’t we get one of each and share?”

  “What have we here?” a sneering voice interrupted.

  Caitlyn jumped and turned her head to see Steve Stubbons approaching the table. Oh shit. They’d agreed not to hide their relationship, but Caitlyn couldn’t help her nerves. Why did Steve have to be the first to find out?

  “Oh great,” Ruth muttered. She dropped Caitlyn’s hand and sat up straight, pushing her shoulders back. “Hello, Dr. Stubbons.”

  “Well, this is a surprise.” Steve leered at Caitlyn. “I didn’t realize you two were friends. Or should I say, more than friends? Don’t think I missed you two holding hands.”

  Caitlyn’s pulse pounded, but she did her best to appear nonchalant as she squinted at him. “I’m sorry? Who are you?” She turned to Ruth with a quizzical expression.

  Ruth regarded Steve with total composure. “Dr. Stubbons, I’d like you to meet Caitlyn.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Caitlyn offered her hand and a polite smile.

  “Huh?” Steve’s face contorted in confusion.

  “Caitlyn is Chloe Taylor’s sister.” Ruth turned to Caitlyn. “He teaches at Pulaski.”

  “Oh, gotcha.” Caitlyn dropped her hand to her lap. “What do you teach?”

  Ignoring the question, Steve glanced between them with a deepening scowl. “You’re trying to tell me that this”—he jabbed a finger in Caitlyn’s face—“isn’t Chloe?”

  “We’re twins, in fact,” Caitlyn said. “Don’t worry, people mix us up all the time.”

  He fixed his gaze on Ruth. “Do you think I’m an idiot? This is obviously Chloe. I’d recognize her anywhere. You’re on a brunch date with your ex-assistant, which makes me wonder if you were involved with her when she worked for you. That’s an ethics violation, which is probably why you’ve concocted this ridiculous lie.”

  As Steve ranted about Ruth’s relationship with “Chloe,” Caitlyn felt herself calming down. After all, she wasn’t Chloe. Her anxiety turned to excitement as she sensed an opportunity to ruin his day. “Excuse me.” Caitlyn reached for her wallet. “I don’t know why you’re talking to Ruth this way, but I can show you my driver’s license.” She slid it out and held it up. “I’m not Chloe. I’m her twin.”

  “Huh?” He sputtered as he scanned the ID. “Bullshit. You just went by a different name.” Doubt had crept into his voice.

  Caitlyn pulled out her phone and quickly tapped to a photo of her and Chloe at Christmas, the same one she had shown Ruth on the day she’d finally come clean. She held up her phone again. “See? Twins. I’m not Chloe.”

  Steve’s mouth worked as he scrutinized the photo, but no sound came.

  Ruth crossed her arms. “I’ll let you get back to wherever you came from. Thanks for saying hello.”

  Steve glared at them one last time before stalking away without a word.

  Caitlyn giggled. “I have to admit I enjoyed that.”

  “Not as much as I did.”

  Caitlyn held up her coffee mug. “To a lovely brunch.”

  Ruth clinked hers against Caitlyn’s. “Cheers.”

  Chapter 26

  Caitlyn was on her knees, scrubbing the floor in a ratty tank top and pajama shorts, when someone knocked on the door.

  What the hell? No one was supposed to come this early. It was Ruth’s first time meeting her mom after five months of dating, and she still had almost two hours to make sure everything was perfect.

  She pushed to her feet, dropped the sponge, and went to answer the door.

  Ruth stood before her, dressed in a crisp blouse, jeans, and a bomber jacket with coiffed hair and a bottle of wine clutched to her chest. “Hi.” She looked Caitlyn up and down, pausing on the pajama shorts with their pattern of smiling cartoon coffee cups on a faded pink background. “Interesting outfit.”

  “I’m still cleaning. I thought you weren’t coming until later?”

  Ruth shrugged off the jacket and stepped inside. “I thought you could use some help.”

  Caitlyn accepted the wine. “You’re not wrong, but what about the Patriots game?” Ruth never missed her favorite NFL team.

  “This is more important,” Ruth said firmly.

  Caitlyn leaned in and kissed her, enjoying the taste of minty mouthwash and lip balm. “That’s really sweet of you. I don’t want you to mess up your outfit, scrubbing, but maybe you could help me set the table?”