Clair let out a deep breath and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t want you to feel like you need to carry my burdens. I am fully capable of being able to empower myself. I did that before, and I can do it again. But I love the idea of us mutually supporting each other and finding a balance of harmony. So, I promise, no more secrets.”

  Eve grinned. She was glad to hear that Clair understood where she was coming from and that Clair did not feel attacked. This was exactly how she was hoping the conversation would go, and for the first time in almost a year, she felt excited about the future, particularly with this lovely woman.

  Eve scrunched her face with joy and squealed, “Oh my god, Clair. That makes me so happy! And I will promise you

  the same; no secrets. If I need help or support, I will ask.”

  Clair leaned close into Eve, awkwardly managing a warm embrace while wearing the neck brace. “I can’t wait to take this stupid thing o !” Clair sighed. “I guess I can’t exactly get a haircut until I am able to take it o , right?”

  Eve tilted her head and looked at the brace. “Yup, you are right. But after about two weeks, you should be fine to take it o .” Eve looked at Clair’s disappointed expression. “Aw, babe. It’s okay. We will reschedule with Kevin, and it will be fine! Think of it as a post-Christmas treat for yourself, something to look forward to.”

  Clair sighed. “I guess that’s a good way of looking at it.

  And like you said, it could have been so much worse.”

  Eve suddenly had a thought. “Well, in the meantime, I know of a great way to cheer you up.”

  Clair smiled. “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

  Wordlessly, Eve looked at Clair and licked her lips.

  12

  Clair looked curiously at Eve. “What is going through that devilish mind of yours?” Clair felt like she already knew, but she struggled to see how she appeared sexy to Eve while wearing the cumbersome brace.

  “Why don't you lay down on the couch, on your back. If you keep your neck straight and just relax, you will be just fine” Eve cooed in a seductive tone.

  Clair felt a bit self-conscious, but her body ached for Eve's touch. She knew that Eve had the power to take away her discomfort and melt her into a blissful state. “Okay, Nurse… I trust that I will be in good hands with you.”

  Eve laughed softly. “Oh, I will be using more than just my hands!”

  “I want to make you cum so hard that you forget today even happened,” Eve whispered softly. “Don't worry about me right now. Just lay back and enjoy. Can you do that?”

  Clair immediately became relaxed at Eve's reassuring and sexy tone. “Yes, Nurse Foster. I can do that. I promise to be a good patient for you while you, um, examine me.” Clair smiled coquettishly and stretched her body out on the couch.

  “Very good, that is what I like to hear,” Eve murmured as she adjusted herself overtop of Clair. She ran her fingers over

  the lapel of Clair's silky bathrobe, gently parting the material to reveal Clair's full breasts and rosy-colored nipples.

  “Mmmm, your body is so beautiful; those nipples look like candy.” Eve bent herself towards Clair's chest and took one of the nipples in her mouth. As she sucked and nibbled, holding the soft mounds of flesh in her hand, Clair moaned softly with pleasure. A delicious sensation traveled all the way down to her groin, firing up her loins and sending goosebumps over the surface of her skin.

  Clair inhaled and exhaled deeply, sinking into the magic of Eve’s touch. She stroked Eve’s soft, blond hair, entwining the tendrils through her fingertips. Eve looked up at Clair and kissed her deeply, their hungry tongues colliding with passion. Clair gripped Eve’s face, wanting more. The stress from the morning disappeared, and Clair was suddenly ravenous for sex.

  However, Eve remained in charge, and playfully, Eve removed Clair’s hands from her hair and held her wrists down, towards the side of her body. Excited by this power move, Clair exclaimed, “Why, Nurse, you are so strong and powerful. I love the way you hold me down like that.”

  Coyly, Eve replied, “Good. You just be still and let me do my job.” Eve then pulled the bathrobe material open, exposing Clair’s naked flesh. Clair felt vulnerable and aroused. She loved being at the mercy of Eve’s desire. Clair had never experienced such exciting power dynamics with her past lovers. While she was always able to achieve and provide orgasms, the sex seemed to pale in comparison to her erotic connection with Eve. Wow, this is like a whole new level of intimacy!

  Eve inched herself towards the end of the couch and removed her top and sports bra. Clair was captivated by Eve’s toned physique and petite body. Her small breasts were perfectly symmetrical, ideal for cupping in the palm of

  Clair’s hands. Eve’s arms were delicate yet muscular, and her stomach showed a four-pack of abs. A few adorable beauty marks were sprinkled across Eve’s chest, which utterly delighted Clair. “God, I wish I could taste you. You are so magnificent!”

  Eve grinned, enjoying the compliments. “Thank you, my gorgeous girl. Don’t worry, you will. I’ll definitely hold you to that promise.”

  Eve then stood up against the side of the couch and slipped o her jeans, revealing a pair of black cotton underwear. “I need to be naked with you. I want to feel your body against me.”

  Clair replied, “Oh, yes, please. I love looking at you.” Eve then positioned herself in between Clair’s legs. Clair was eager to feel Eve’s mouth and the warmth of her tongue, but Eve clearly preferred to savor and extend the moment.

  Eve ran her fingers down the backs of Clair’s bare legs, tickling the area around the knees. Softly, she said, “This area holds a cluster of lymph nodes, so it’s extra sensitive.

  Did you know that?”

  Clair closed her eyes and smiled. She was finding it harder to focus on her words. “Um, I-I don’t know. I just know it feels really nice.”

  Pleased with Clair’s reaction, Eve continued to caress Clair’s legs, running her fingertips towards the inner thighs. Clair felt herself becoming wet. She wanted Eve so bad, she could barely contain herself.

  “You are such a tease. Please, I want you so bad,” Clair said, her eyes closed in rapture. Eve then crouched in between Clair's legs, her face inches away from her pussy.

  Eve inhaled Clair's musky scent.

  “I love the way you smell. You make me so hungry to taste you.”

  Clair sighed and placed her hands gently on the back of Eve's head; this time, Eve let her. Carefully, Eve extended her tongue and parted Clair's vaginal lips to reveal Clair's throbbing clit. Slowly, she lapped at the folds, teasing Clair's vulva by making circles with her tongue. As Eve continued to tease Clair's most sensitive area, she gasped and tried to push her cunt closer to Eve's mouth.

  Eve looked up and laughed playfully. “Well, aren't you eager?”

  Clair pleaded, “Please, Eve, eat my pussy. I want to cum so hard for you!”

  Eve kept her mouth on Clair's soft, wet mound and replied in a mu ed voice. “You will, I promise you.” Eve then started to lick her clit and Clair felt an erotic energy surge through her body. “Oh god, yes, like that. Yes, Eve!

  Please, oh, that feels so good.” By accident, Clair gripped Eve's head hard, to which Eve replied with a laugh, “Ouch!

  You better behave, or I am kicking you out of the examining room!”

  Clair recoiled breathlessly. “I-I, um, I’m sorry! You just feel so good; please don't stop!”

  Eve continued to feast on Clair's clit as Clair moaned in ecstasy. She then inserted two taut fingers into Clair's vagina and curved them so that she could stimulate Clair's g-spot.

  Clair's eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she felt her muscles contract. A climax was slowly building inside of Clair, and she breathed hard and fast.

  Eve continued to fuck Clair with her fingers and her mouth, penetrating her deeper and harder with every stroke, as Clair thrust against Eve. Clair's moans became louder until her body exploded with a powerful orgasm. To Clair's surprise, she then squirted and it gushed out all over Eve’s mouth and hand and puddled underneath them.

  Overcome with desire but also horrified, Clair exclaimed,

  “Oh my god! What happened? Did I pee on you? Oh my god, Eve! I am so sorry! Holy shit, I am so embarrassed!”

  Eve looked up and laughed, wiping her face and hair.

  “You

  didn't

  pee;

  you

  ejaculated!

  You

  know,

  like squirting? Haven't you ever done that before?”

  Clair’s mind raced. She didn't understand what just happened, but she knew it felt amazing. “Um, I have never done it. I have heard of it, but I guess I didn't really believe that was an actual thing, you know?”

  Eve said in a reassuring voice. “Oh, it’s definitely a thing, and you just did it. I have some real skills with my fingers, I tell you.” Eve looked back down at Clair's pussy.

  Since Eve's expression was one of happiness and excitement, Clair felt better. Nothing like that had ever happened to her before. She really had never believed it was a real thing. Now, she finally understood how good it could feel!

  Clair lay still as waves of pleasure continued to cascade over her. She was blown away by this incredible sensation, and she felt like a young woman who had just discovered something new about her sexuality. Wow, I am forty-five, and I just squirted for the first time! I feel like I want to call up all of my friends to tell them!

  Clair was still lost in her own world when Eve returned from the bathroom. She sat on the edge of the couch so that she could be close to Clair’s upper body. “Are you okay? You aren’t weirded out or anything, right?”

  Clair grinned, unable to contain her joy. “Nope, I am good, actually better than good. I feel awesome. I feel so lucky to be with you right now.” Clair thought for a moment and then asked, “Has that ever happened to you before?”

  Eve replied, “Sure. It’s not something that happens to me every time, but sure, it does happen.”

  Clair grinned and squeezed Eve’s hand. “Oh, wow! Well, in that case, I’d like to try and make that happen for you if I could?”

  Eve’s face seemed to glow with happiness. “Oh, definitely! I would love to have you try. There are lots of things that we can explore together.” Eve looked at the couch. “What do you say we crawl into bed and get more comfortable? I’d really like to lay beside you. Also, it’s getting pretty late, so if I’m allowed to sleep here again, maybe we should go to bed soon?”

  Clair completely forgot about the time. “Oh, my goodness.

  Yes, of course. I know you have work in the morning, so let’s go to my bedroom and crash.”

  Eve helped Clair from the couch and eased her down the hallway. Turning to Clair, Eve remarked. “What an eventful day! Are you feeling a bit better?”

  Clair smiled tenderly at Eve. “Oh, Eve, I am absolutely feeling better. In fact, I think this is one of the best nights I have had in a long time.”

  13

  Holiday carols rang through the speaker of Eve’s car as she drove home after another long shift at Forest Vale Hospital. Christmas was only three days away and there was a magical festivity in the air. The reception desk had been decorated with colorful garland and wreaths, and even some of the hospital sta wore Santa hats in celebration.

  Eve knew that many people found this time of year cheesy and materialistic, but Eve herself found it quite cheerful. The spirit of the holidays had permeated Eve’s soul and lit her up like a Christmas tree.

  Eve had spent most of the past weekend with Clair, in between her shifts at the hospital. To Eve’s relief, Clair seemed to be doing a lot better, and Eve felt grateful to see Clair behind her desk and back to work.

  Over the past few days, they discussed the Christmas holidays and made plans with each other. On Christmas Eve, she and Clair were going to watch Miracle on 34th Street, as per Clair’s tradition, and then Eve would spend the night at Clair’s place. Because Clair’s car had been totaled in the accident, it only made sense for Eve to come to Clair’s house, and Eve was utterly delighted.

  Before Eve had connected with Clair, she was convinced that she would be spending that time alone, and the idea of being all by herself in an apartment that she once shared with her ex-girlfriend was beyond depressing. Meeting Clair felt like a Christmas miracle to Eve, and knowing that the two of them would be able to spend this special time of year together lifted Eve’s spirits considerably—she felt like a new woman!

  Eve was also excited to present Clair with her Christmas gift. Prior to the accident, Eve had a few ideas of what she could purchase Clair, but after last weeks’ unfortunate incident, Eve had changed her mind. She had made the necessary arrangements and was practically bursting at the seams with excitement. It’s far more exciting to give gifts than to receive!

  Eve stomped through the snow-covered driveway towards the triplex. Twenty-five years ago, Eve’s building had previously been a mansion that had been bought by developers and converted into a triplex. When Eve and Abbie had been looking for places to live, they were immediately enchanted by the charm of the renovated home. In comparison to an apartment complex, this particular structure o ered a cozy and familiar vibe.

  Eve unlocked her private entrance and noticed a pile of mail on her foyer. Peaches mewed and settled herself on top of the colored envelopes, greeting her owner. Eve picked up her pet and held the creature close to her face. “Hello, my beautiful girl. Mommy missed you while I was at work today!”

  Eve gently placed Peaches back down and bent over to pick up the mail. Bills, a Christmas card from Aunt Betty—oh, that’s nice! More bills and…huh, what’s this? Eve noticed a plain, white envelope with the return address reading Taylor and Hill Development Co. Curious, Eve moved towards her

  living room and plunked down on the couch to open the envelope.

  As Eve read through the document, her heart sank. She re-read the letter, just to make sure she understood exactly what was happening. She began to panic. What? No, this can't be happening! Only two months before I need to move? Oh my god, what am I going to do? Eve fell back into her chair and looked up at the ceiling. Peaches jumped into Eve's lap, seemingly to comfort her. Eve shook her head with disbelief.

  The letter was from the company that owned the triplex.

  Apparently, the building was going to be demolished in order to build a thirty-story, high rise condo. Eve and the other dwellers had just been given two months to find a new place of residence. For Eve, this was devastating news. Financially, her nurse's salary was decent, and Eve managed to make a good living, but much of that was due to the fact that her rent was manageable.

  After Abbie had moved out, Eve's budget had become tighter, but since she worked such long hours and spent much of her time at the hospital, the expenses didn't seem to have too much of an e ect.

  However, all of that was dependent on Eve having stable living conditions. Eve's saving grace was that her apartment's rent had not increased, unlike many of the homes and apartment buildings within Forest Vale. Within the city, the general cost of living had been steadily rising over the past three years, and Eve was aware that some of the less fortunate folks in the community were facing a housing crisis. Places for rent were not only becoming scarcer, but they were also much more expensive.

  Dumbfounded, Eve mind reeled. I cannot believe this is happening to me, especially during the most expensive time of the year! With the number of shifts and hours I put in at the hospital, how will I ever find the time to move?

  As the anxiety rose in her body, Eve rubbed her temples and took a few deep breaths. Her first thought was to call Clair, but it was already so late at night, and Eve didn't want to burden Clair with her worries. No, no. I can't bother her right now. She has so much going on, and I know she is probably asleep. The poor woman needs her rest. Shit! I am just going to have to figure this out by myself. Suddenly, the festive spirit that had energized Eve was depleted and replaced by worry. Great! So much for a relaxing evening at home, she thought bitterly. I suppose tomorrow I will need to start looking for a new place to live, and I am sure that will be a total breeze, considering Christmas is only in a few days. Wearily, she looked at her cat. “Baby, what are we going to do?” Peaches stared back and blinked at her owner, o ering nothing but loving animal energy.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Eve dragged herself out of bed and prepared for work. She had barely slept, consumed with the stress of having to move in a few weeks. Eve felt tired and cranky. The only silver lining to her day was the fact that she would see Clair typing away at her desk.

  Ever since the accident, Eve took extra comfort in seeing Clair perched behind her keyboard, smiling at patients as they approached her desk. Eve felt that they had both developed a more profound sense of gratitude for one another, and knowing that Clair was on the road to healing made Eve feel even closer to her. Eve also remembered their pact to not keep secrets from one another. Still, Eve thought it might be best to try and figure out a plan for herself before revealing to Clair what had just happened. I will tell her I just need some time to digest the news first. I'm so overwhelmed right now; I don't even know where to start.

  Close to an hour later, Eve found herself in the hospital elevator. The ride to work felt like a bit of a blur, and Eve had even forgotten to get herself some co ee along the way. The elevator doors opened with a ding, and just as she had hoped, Clair was front and center at her desk, beaming at Eve with a huge smile.

  “Good morning, Eve!” Even though Eve and Clair had continued to remain professional at work, they had eased up on the formalities. It was nice to hear Clair call her by her name instead of “Nurse Foster” all of the time. Plus, while Eve would never mention this to Clair, she had a feeling that perhaps some of the Forest Vale employees might know that she and Clair were dating.