Chapter 2
2
KARA
T he door clicked shut behind Kara Brandon as she stepped into her apartment, the quiet wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She dropped her keys onto the small table by the door, kicked off her boots, and glanced at the clock on the wall. The morning was still young; the sunlight just starting to creep through the blinds. Her body ached with the familiar heaviness of too little sleep, but the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth told a different story.
She rubbed her eyes and debated starting her day but quickly dismissed the thought. She wasn’t on shift until tomorrow, and the pull of her bed was too strong to ignore. Shrugging off her jacket, Kara made her way down the narrow hallway, her socked feet padding softly against the hardwood floor.
Her bedroom was as unpretentious as the rest of her apartment—just a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand cluttered with books and a half-empty glass of water. The covers were still tangled from when she’d hastily left the day before, and Kara slipped back into the sheets with a contented sigh.
The warmth of the bed coaxed her into stillness, but her mind refused to quiet. She stared at the ceiling, the faint lines of sunlight stretching across the textured surface, and let the memories of last night unfold in her mind.
One-night stands weren’t supposed to feel like this. They were supposed to be simple, fleeting, and uncomplicated. Fun for the night and forgotten by morning. But this enigmatic stranger Mallory… Mallory felt different. She had a spark—something that stuck with Kara in a way she hadn’t expected.
The thought brought an ache of its own, one Kara wasn’t sure how to name.
She turned onto her side, pressing her cheek into the pillow as she considered reaching for her phone. Texting Mallory crossed her mind more than once, but Kara hesitated. Was it too soon? Too much? She wasn’t usually one to overthink these things, but this wasn’t usual.
Eventually, sleep tugged her back under, her last thought a quiet echo of Mallory’s laugh.
Kara woke hours later, blinking against the afternoon light that streamed through the blinds. She groaned softly, running a hand through her messy brown hair as she rolled out of bed. The air was crisp and cool, the faint scent of the eucalyptus spray she kept on her nightstand lingering in the room.
She stretched, her joints cracking as she stood, and wandered into the kitchen, her bare feet finding the cold floor. The apartment was quiet, save for the occasional hum of the refrigerator or the distant sounds of the city outside.
Kara’s apartment wasn’t much, but it was hers. Practical and cozy, it reflected her personality without much effort. A cork board hung on the wall above the small dining table, cluttered with Polaroid photos, handwritten notes, and a few postcards from friends who traveled more than she did. The shelves were lined with books she swore she’d finish one day and a few nick-knacks that held sentimental value.
The kitchen itself was tidy but lived-in. Takeout menus were tucked neatly into a drawer, and a well-worn coffee maker sat in the corner of the counter. Kara filled the machine with water and coffee grounds, her movements automatic as the scent of brewing coffee began to fill the space.
She leaned against the counter, her phone in hand. She unlocked the screen, her thumb hovering over the messaging app.
Just text her.
The thought was simple, but Kara hesitated. Her usual confidence faltered slightly, and she shook her head with a wry smile. “Get it together,” she muttered under her breath.
Before she could decide, a notification popped up at the top of the screen. It was from Scotti Saunders, one of her closest friends and a frequent instigator of chaos.
So, what happened last night? Left us in the dust, huh?
Kara laughed softly, already hearing Scotti’s teasing tone in her head. Her fingers moved quickly as she typed out a reply.
KARA: Nothing you need to worry about.
SCOTTI: Oh, please. You disappeared with some mystery woman. Spill.
KARA: Maybe I just got tired. Ever think of that?
SCOTTI: Tired of us, sure. Mystery woman, though? Hmm.
Kara smirked, shaking her head as she set the phone down. Her friends were relentless when it came to prying into her life, but she couldn’t deny that their teasing often gave her the nudge she needed.
She picked up her phone again and opened her messages. There was one other new message from an unknown number. It had to be Mallory.
Hey.
That was all it said.
The thought of last night resurfaced—Mallory’s sly smile, her beautiful long red hair and big dark brown eyes, the way she’d leaned just a little closer when their banter turned more personal. Kara felt that pull again, stronger now.
Without overthinking it this time, she opened the chat and typed:
Hey, mysterious stranger. Hope the coffee this morning wasn’t your best trick—I might expect more next time.
She hit send before she could second guess herself.
The coffee maker beeped, and Kara poured herself a mug, the warm ceramic comforting in her hands as she took a long sip. She leaned back against the counter, her phone still in her other hand, and waited.
It didn’t take long for a reply to come through.
That depends—are you calling the coffee mediocre, or are you already angling for another cup?
Kara chuckled, the tension in her chest easing as the exchange flowed effortlessly. Whatever this was, she liked it.
Mallory was sharp, warm, and full of surprises—and for the first time in a while, Kara felt like she might want to stick around to see what came next.
Kara grinned, the words lighting a flicker of anticipation in her chest. Her fingers moved almost of their own accord, firing back a response that carried just enough tease to match Mallory’s tone.
Kara: Angling? Nah, I’m not that subtle. Consider this a direct request for a second round—coffee optional.
The reply came quickly, the typing bubbles barely disappearing before Mallory’s message appeared.
Mallory: Bold. Do you always cut to the chase like this?
Kara laughed softly, setting her coffee mug down as she leaned her elbows on the counter, fully immersed in the exchange now.
Kara: Only when it’s worth it. You’re not holding that against me, are you?
The next message took a little longer to arrive, and Kara could almost imagine Mallory smirking as she typed.
Mallory: Not at all. I appreciate the honesty—it’s refreshing.
Kara felt a spark of satisfaction. Mallory wasn’t pulling away from her flirtation, and that made her bold enough to lean in further.
Kara: Glad to hear it. Now, be honest with me—last night. Fun enough to make you think about me today?
Mallory’s reply was almost immediate, her sharp humor cutting through the text like a blade.
Mallory: Fun enough to make me wonder if you always ask leading questions.
Kara laughed again, shaking her head at the way Mallory turned her words around.
Kara: Only when I know the answer is “yes.” So, what’s your go-to for unwinding after a long day?
Mallory: Depends on the day. A good book if I’m feeling ambitious, bad TV if I’m not. You?
Kara: I’ve got a couch that’s seen more takeout and Netflix than I care to admit. But I’m not above dragging myself out for a drink or two if the company’s right.
Mallory’s reply came with a hint of a challenge.
Mallory: You must have high standards for company, then. Lucky for me, I made the cut.
Kara smirked.
Kara: Oh, you made the cut all right. Last night wasn’t just good company—there were other highlights I wouldn’t mind reliving.
She hit send and immediately felt the heat rise in her chest. It wasn’t an unusual thing for her to say—Kara wasn’t exactly shy—but something about Mallory made her nerves hum just a little louder.
Mallory’s response came after a brief pause, the typing bubbles almost teasing Kara with their slowness.
Mallory: Highlights? You’re going to have to be more specific.
Kara’s pulse quickened. Mallory wasn’t backing down, and that was all the encouragement she needed. She leaned against the counter, her thumbs moving quickly across the screen.
Kara: Oh, you know… the way you kissed me like you’d been waiting all night for it. The way you laughed at my terrible jokes. And maybe the way your hands didn’t seem to know where to stop.
There was a longer pause this time, and Kara almost worried she’d pushed too far. But when Mallory’s reply finally came through, it sent a jolt straight through her.
Mallory: Funny. I remember you being the one who didn’t know where to stop. You seemed pretty determined to test my limits.
Kara bit her lip, grinning as she typed her response. She remembered how good Mallory’s naked body had felt against her own. She remembered how beautiful Mallory had been undressed and in her arms.
Kara: Guilty. But you didn’t seem to mind. In fact, I’d say you gave as good as you got.
Mallory’s reply was shorter, but it hit just as hard.
Mallory: I’m not one to disappoint.
Fuck, Mallory had to know the effect she was having. Kara felt it right between her legs. Well, two could play at that game.
Kara: I have to say, this is making it very hard to focus on anything else today.
Mallory: Is that your way of saying you can’t stop thinking about me?
Kara: Guilty as charged. You?
Mallory’s reply took a moment, but when it came, it was worth the wait.
Mallory: Let’s just say you’ve made quite an impression.
Kara smiled at the screen, her heart thrumming with a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. She’d started the conversation on a whim, not knowing what to expect, but now she felt that pull toward Mallory even more strongly.
Kara: I don’t think I’ve been able to stop thinking about you all day.
Mallory: Really, and what exactly have you been thinking?
Kara: Oh, just about how good our sex was. Though I’m sure there’s more you were holding back from me.
Mallory: I’m not sure whether that was a compliment , Mallory quickly replied.
Kara: Just a statement. There’s plenty more of you to explore. After all, I never got to taste you. And that is something I really want to get the opportunity to do. Lick you until you come in my mouth a thousand times.
Mallory: It’s a good thing I’m not working today, I don’t think I could have concentrated after that text!
Kara: Is that a no? Kara questioned, her mouth watering at the mere thought of her tongue in Mallory’s pussy.
Mallory: I didn’t say no, did I?
Kara couldn’t help it, one hand wandered into her pants, pulling her underwear to one side as she typed with the other, her fingers quickly finding her own clit, flicking across it.
Kara: Fuck. You have no idea what you’ve done to me, Mallory. Every time I close my eyes I see your beautiful body all laid out for me to devour.
She didn’t have to wait long for Mallory’s response .
Mallory: Mmm and I can still hear your moans from last night. You’ll have to give me an encore of them in person though to make sure I remember them correctly.
Mallory: oh, and yes. You can go down on me until I come in your mouth a thousand times. I hope you have the stamina for it.
Kara: Fuck.
Mallory: Maybe we could 69 so I get to taste you, too?
Kara: oh god. Yes.
Kara: Who goes on top?
Mallory: I’ll go on top. I think you might like that.
Fuck. The thought of Mallory’s body nude and in 69 position on top of her was just too much to comprehend. Kara felt more turned on than she had in such a long time.
Kara moved to her living room so she could recline on her sofa and touch herself properly.
Her left hand was buried deep in her underwear as her right hand still held her phone. Good job she could text with one hand.
Kara: I think I just might. Would you grind down on my face?
Kara could feel her climax building quickly now as her fingers moved fast on her clitoris. What kind of spell was she under?
Mallory: Oh, so much so. You would barely be able to breathe and all you would be able to see, smell and taste would be me.
Kara’s orgasm crashed through her like a tidal wave. Her body shook and her eyes closed as she leant back into the sofa and lost herself in the moment.
What was this woman doing to her?
When her body finally stopped shaking and her breathing returned to normal, she responded.
Kara: If that’s the case, maybe we should do something about it. You free this weekend?
The typing bubbles appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared again. Finally, Mallory’s reply came through.
Mallory: I might be. You thinking coffee again, or something a little more exciting?
Kara’s grin widened as she typed her reply.
Kara: Why not both? I’ll leave the details up to you.
The soft chime of her phone was the only sound in Kara’s apartment as the conversation began to taper off, the pace of their messages slowing but losing none of their warmth. She had made her way to the kitchen and leaned back against the kitchen counter, her coffee long forgotten, and stared at the last message Mallory had sent.
Mallory: I should get back to unpacking before you distract me any further. For the record, though, I’m glad you didn’t let me stay mysterious.
Kara smiled, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she thought about how to reply. Mallory had an understated way of surprising her—sharp and playful one moment, sexual and seductive as hell the next, then sincere and disarming. That mix of confidence and vulnerability was like a magnet, pulling Kara in more strongly than she wanted to admit.
Kara: Me too. Good luck with the unpacking. Try not to get buried in bubble wrap.
She hesitated for a second before hitting send, wishing she could come up with something a little more clever, but the truth was, she liked leaving the conversation on a light, simple note. Anything heavier might have tipped the balance she wasn’t sure she wanted to test yet.
Mallory’s reply came just a moment later, as if she had been waiting.
Mallory: No promises. You might need to come to my rescue later.
Kara laughed softly, shaking her head.
Kara: Anytime, mysterious stranger.
She set her phone down on the counter, the faint buzz of excitement still running through her. For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the device as if it might blink back to life with another message from Mallory. But the screen stayed dark, and Kara finally let herself breathe.
The kitchen felt quieter now, the earlier hum of conversation fading into the background of her thoughts. The sunlight streaming through the blinds had shifted, casting angled shadows across the floor. Kara took a long stretch, her body still waking up fully from the night before, and let her mind wander back to Mallory.
Kara wasn’t used to being surprised, not like this.
She walked to the window, mug in hand, and looked out at the city beyond. The view from her apartment wasn’t spectacular, but it offered a glimpse of life moving outside—cars threading through the streets, a couple walking their dog on the sidewalk below, the distant hum of a bus pulling into a stop. It was ordinary, grounding.
She took another sip of her coffee and leaned against the window frame, her thoughts drifting. Usually, she wouldn’t give much thought to a one-night stand after it ended. A fun memory, sure, but nothing more. She liked keeping things simple, leaving attachments at the door.
But Mallory…
Kara exhaled, a soft laugh escaping her. What is it about you?
The lingering pull she felt wasn’t something she could pin down. It was quiet but persistent, a thread connecting her to Mallory even now. She thought about Mallory’s laugh, the way it had softened the edges of her otherwise reserved demeanor. She thought about the spark in her eyes when she teased Kara, the way her words carried an undercurrent of curiosity, as if she were figuring Kara out in real time.
And then there was the moment they’d shared that morning, sitting across from each other with coffee in hand, the kind of comfortable silence that spoke louder than words. It had felt easy, natural, like slipping into a rhythm they both already knew.
Kara shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they clung stubbornly.
* * *
The rest of the day passed in quiet fits and starts. She moved through her routine without much thought—washing the dishes left in the sink, throwing a load of laundry into the machine, tidying the cluttered coffee table in the living room. Every now and then, she’d catch herself glancing at her phone, the memory of their conversation still fresh.
By the time she’d finished folding the laundry, the city outside had shifted into afternoon. The light filtering through the blinds had taken on a warmer hue, softening the edges of the room. Kara stood in the middle of her apartment, hands on her hips, and let out a long breath.
Her phone buzzed softly from the counter. She reached for it instinctively, her pulse skipping for a brief second before she realized it wasn’t Mallory—it was Scotti, her friend, sending another round of teasing messages about the previous night.
Scotti: Sooooo… Are you gonna spill, or are we supposed to guess what happened after you ditched us?
Kara smirked, shaking her head as she replied.
Kara: Maybe I just needed some fresh air.
Scotti: Uh-huh. Sure. Fresh air that looked like a hot redhead?
Kara: None of your business, nosy.
Scotti: Oh, it will be eventually. You can’t hide forever.
Kara chuckled, setting her phone back down. She didn’t mind Scotti’s nosiness—it was part of the package deal with her group of friends—but she wasn’t ready to share this yet. Whatever this was.
As she grabbed her jacket and keys, ready to step out for a walk, she found herself glancing at her phone one last time. The screen was still dark, but the echo of Mallory’s words lingered in her mind.
“ For the record, though, I’m glad you didn’t let me stay mysterious .”