Chapter 20
Molly
The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as Molly pushed her way through. The smell of coffee instantly calmed her nerves. Strange, really, considering how unsettled she felt, that caffeine of all things should relax her.
In the far corner of the shop, Molly saw Chelsea waiting with a smile. Ugh, this isn’t going to be pleasant. It didn’t matter though, Molly needed to break things off, even if, technically, there wasn’t anything to finish. Except a loose arrangement. Clearly though, after yesterday’s stunt, Chelsea was pushing for more.
“Hey,” Chelsea cooed, leaning in to kiss Molly once again. Molly smiled politely, shifted her face a fraction, and allowed Chelsea to kiss her cheek.
“Hi,” Molly replied coolly. Chelsea saw the change in Molly’s demeanor but didn’t comment.
“I ordered you an Americano,” she chirped.
“Thanks.”
“Tonight’s party should be fun.” Chelsea’s upbeat attitude was irritating and Molly hated feeling that way towards her friend. Come on Molly, get it over with.
“Chels, we need to talk.”
“Okay, what about, babe?”
Molly winced. She wasn’t Chelsea’s babe, or anything else, for that matter. “I think it’s time we stopped our arrangement and just went back to being friends full-time.”
“Why?” Chelsea’s chipper mood was turning in front of Molly’s eyes. Half the reason Molly continued to sleep with Chelsea was because it was easier than fighting with her. Chelsea could be stubborn and petulant. Lesbian drama was a real thing where she was concerned.
“Because I think you want more out of it than a casual arrangement.” Carmen’s words echoed in Molly’s ears. “Just be honest with her. Completely. That’s all you can do. You can’t control how she will react. That’s on her as long as you give it to her straight.”
Chelsea scoffed. “No, I don’t.”
“Chelsea, you walked into my kitchen last night and kissed me like I was your girlfriend. I really didn’t appreciate it. We were clear from the beginning what this was. You told me you wanted the same thing.”
“I do, nothing has changed!” Chelsea shot. Molly stared at her, daring her to lie again. Chelsea had made it obvious she wanted Molly to be her girlfriend and now she needed to own up to it. The intensity of Molly’s stare increased. Chelsea shuffled in her seat. “Mol, fine, I want more. We’re good together, don’t you think?”
“As friends, Chelsea. I’m sorry, but I don’t feel that way about you.”
“So you’ve been using me for sex?” Chelsea growled.
“Yes, because that’s what we agreed on! Openly, I might add. It was a way to de-stress.”
“Well, I want more,” Chelsea demanded.
“Tough shit, Chelsea. I don’t! And I will not be bullied into it.”
They glared at each other, neither willing to back down. How could Chelsea think acting this way would make Molly rethink their situation? It did the opposite and threw up some major red flags. “You’re still invited to the party tonight. I should go, I need to help set it up.”
“So that’s it. What you say goes, huh?”
“On second thought, maybe you shouldn’t come. Take some space, Chels, decide if you still want us to be friends, but remember that is all we’ll ever be.” Sliding back in her chair, Molly stood, gave Chelsea a quick peck on the cheek and walked away.
As awful and uncomfortable as that had been, Molly felt better. Now she could concentrate on tonight’s festivities and the fact that Faith would be leaving. Carmen’s deep brown eyes swam in front of her face. It wasn’t just Faith that Molly would miss.
Before Chelsea interrupted yesterday, Molly could have sworn Carmen was about to kiss her. Molly huffed out loud. She was being delusional. Carmen wouldn’t kiss Molly. No, they were just getting closer because of Faith. Faith, yes, that was the reason. And that she listens to me, comforts me, is caring and fun. Oh, and for the first time in a long time, I feel safe with her. Shit!
Molly had no time for dwelling on silly thoughts. She had to get back and help with the party. Spending time with her niece was the only thing she needed to concentrate on today.
◆◆◆
“This place looks amazing,” Molly gasped when she stepped out of the kitchen and into the backyard. After getting back from coffee with Chelsea, she’d thrown herself into helping Bessie and Faith in the kitchen. Although she tried to stay present, her mind often wandered to thoughts of Carmen and what she was doing.
“I know, I’m amazing,” Mateo preened.
“And so humble, Hermano.” Carmen deadpanned.
“There’s nothing wrong with blowing your own horn now and then,” Mateo replied smugly.
“Ew, I don’t want to hear about your horn, or who is blowing it,” Enid announced, carrying a tray of mini burgers.
“Ah, Enid, that’s gross. Don’t say things like that in front of me,” Carmen whined. It was amazing how the two Ruizes became almost childlike in the presence of Enid. Molly laughed at their antics.
“At least there is a possibility of someone touching my horn,” Mateo shot. Carmen hit him square in the head with a mini burger.
“Now, children, don’t make me whoop your asses,” Enid admonished, but there was no force behind it.
“She started it,” Mateo whined.
“No, she started it,” Carmen laughed, pointing at a grinning Enid.
“Are we ready for some tunes?” Liam called. This was the most animated Molly had seen him in a while.
“Yes, young Liam, crank it up,” Mateo shouted.
“No one says crank it up,” Enid mocked. “How am I cooler than both of you?” she laughed, pointing at Carmen and Mateo.
Deep bass pounding through the speakers, which were set on either side of the back porch interrupted the bickering. A long table had been dragged into the backyard. Mateo had erected a light linen canopy over it and strung up fairy lights. Bessie scurried back and forth with plates of food. Faith, Courtney, and Lisa started dancing on the makeshift dance floor.
“Grub‘s up. Dig in!” Bessie hollered.
Half the crowd started piling plates with food, while the other half danced and laughed. Molly stood back, leaning against the porch, observing. Carmen, Mateo, Enid and Faith had injected energy into the ranch and everyone in it. Thinking of them not being there tomorrow was a hard pill to swallow.
“Drink?” Carmen asked quietly, leaning on the porch next to her, offering a bottle of beer.
“Thanks.” Molly took a long draw, her eyes fixed on Faith, laughing loudly as Mateo spun her around.
“He’s an idiot, but he loves that kid,” Carmen commented, her eyes fixed on Faith and Mateo as well. “She’s given us a sense of purpose, I think.”
“She’s happy.”
“Are you?” Carmen whispered. Their bodies close. If it weren’t for the fact Molly could see other people around them, she would swear they were completely alone. It was always that way when Carmen got close. Everything evaporated until it was only them.
“I will be,” Molly answered honestly, her eyes drifting from the party to Carmen.
“Carmen,” Enid screeched, causing them both to jump. “Get your ass over here and dance with me. Mateo has told us you have moves for days.”
“Jesus,” Carmen hissed. “I’m going to shave his eyebrows off tonight,” she muttered, pushing off the porch and making her way to Enid.
Molly’s mouth watered the second she spotted Carmen’s hips sway. And then something fucking fantastic happened. The music changed as Mateo swept in, claiming Carmen. Together they danced, their bodies moving in perfect synchronicity. Was that a salsa?
Out of the two, Molly would say Carmen was the more masculine, even if Mateo was dashing. He was effeminate but now, as they danced. Carmen transformed, her hips swaying as Mateo led her perfectly. Everyone at the party stopped what they were doing and watched.
Molly’s eyes never left Carmen’s ass. Swaddled in short tight black jean shorts, sumptuous butt cheeks peeked out, not entirely covered by the denim. In just a few days of Californian sun, Carmen’s skin had turned a rich brown. Holy fuck!
But then it got better. In between twirls, Carmen reached up and untied her hair. A cascade of black silk tumbled over her shoulders. Molly was completely mesmerized.The dance was perfection and left Molly literally weak at the knees.
Raucous applause snapped her back to the party. “Holy shit,” Enid called, “that was fantastic. Teach me,” she bellowed, grabbing Mateo. The music started again and everyone fell about in hysterics as Mateo tried to teach Enid the steps. Molly couldn’t fully appreciate the hilarity because her head and her libido were still firmly on Carmen Ruiz.
“Wanna try?” Molly sucked in a breath when she realized it was Carmen talking to her, offering out her hand. Molly loved to dance, but this felt dangerous. Of course she couldn’t refuse—not when she was met with chocolaty pools of goodness. Carmen’s eyes were a deadly weapon. Instead of verbally answering. She nodded and took Carmen’s hand.
As she moved into Carmen’s body, Molly knew something had shifted. There was no denying the attraction, not when both Carmen and she were almost visibly vibrating with anticipation.
◆◆◆
The gentle breeze was a welcome one as Molly slipped away from the party, sweating. One salsa lesson turned into hours of dancing. Hours of having funny feelings towards Carmen as her body danced close to Molly’s.
Taking a break was the only way Molly could stop herself from making a fool of herself. She didn’t miss Bessie and Enid’s eagle eyes firmly trained on her and Carmen as they danced. For once, the duo were probably on the mark. Molly’s thoughts had been less than child-friendly.
“Where are you sneaking off to?” Enid asked from the shadows of the work shed. Molly let out a scream and almost fell over.
“Crap, Enid, what the hell?”
“I saw you heading off on your own. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay, love.”
“I’m fine, just needed a break from dancing and the night is so lovely I thought a walk would be good.”
“Fuck, that’s a long-winded ass way to say you needed to get some space between you and Carmen before you humped her on the dance floor.”
Molly stood looking at Enid, dumbfounded. “Um.” Great rebuttal, Mol! “No.”
Enid tipped her head back and laughed maniacally. “I love it when I’m right.”
“No,” Molly repeated.
“Oh stop. The heat radiating off the two of you was scorching. Stop fighting it. Do you want my advice?”
“Not real—”
“Turn your cute butt around, grab Carmen by the hand, lead her to one of your sunflower fields, lay her down and get busy!”
“Enid!”
“Careful of ant nests, though. You don’t want those little bastards getting in the crack and crevices.”
“Enid!” Molly said, louder.
“Maybe take a blanket. Nothing romantic about mud in your ass. I did that once, ugh, I had some weird reaction and had to strap an icepack to my puss for a week.”
“Oh my God, Enid, stop!” Molly covered her face with her hands, half exasperated, half embarrassed.
“Or you know, take her somewhere else, but Molly,” Enid continued, her voice softer, her mocking tone absent. “Take her, because life is too damn short to not grab opportunities when they are slapping you in the face. It’s one night. Enjoy each other.”
Enid slinked off with the grace of a wily cat. Molly had walked away to get some space, not entertain the idea of grabbing Carmen, dragging her to a shadowy corner and fucking her until the sun came up.
“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Carmen’s low, smooth voice pierced the silence. Molly closed her eyes and bit her lip. How was this happening? “Molly?”
Turning on her heel, Molly smiled. “It’s gorgeous. I was just getting some air. Got a little hot with all that dancing.”
“Want some company?” Oh, boy!
“Sure.”
The music grew faint the longer they walked, neither in a rush to break the silence. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect for a romantic walk. Molly rolled her eyes at the universe. The stars shone down brightly. The moon cast a soft glow over the sunflower fields. Obviously, that brought the thought of Carmen laid down on her back, spread wide, waiting for Molly. Thanks, Enid!
“Are you okay? You look like you have something on your mind.”
“Nope,” Molly replied hastily.
“Molly,” Carmen said gently, taking her by the hand bringing them to a stop.
“Please don’t,” Molly whispered.
“Don’t what?”
Oh, fuck it! Molly slid her hand into Carmen’s hair, drawing her in. Their lips smashed together in a heated frenzy. All the pent-up lust Molly had been trying—in vain—to push down came roaring to the surface. Carmen was soft and tasted of strawberries. Molly felt Carmen’s hands circle around her waist, then drop to her ass.
Molly pulled Carmen in closer, unable to satisfy her need that pulsed through her entire body. A moan of pleasure ripped through the air when Carmen’s tongue entered her mouth.
This was going to happen. For once, she was going to take Enid’s advice and seize the day. Then Enid’s earlier warning cropped up. They were making out furiously in the middle of the farmland. Mud and probably a lot of ant nests everywhere.
And then, as if ordained by the almighty herself, a ray of moonlight struck a place in the distance that was perfect. An abandoned pickup truck, the kids had put a mattress in the back of. They used it to camp out sometimes. Why hadn’t she thought of that sooner? Because you weren’t planning on ripping Carmen’s clothes off and getting freaky under the stars!
Tearing her lips from Carmen, Molly pulled her along silently but with a speed that portrayed how desperately Molly needed to get to that truck.
But as they approached, doubt clouded Molly’s mind. Sure, they’d been making out pretty hard, but taking Carmen to the truck that had a bed in it was a clear sign Molly planned to do a lot more than kiss. What if Carmen didn’t want that? What if she stopped this? Her out-of-control thoughts were ripped from her mind by Carmen slamming her back against the truck’s passenger side door. Molly hadn’t even realized they’d reached it. Molly felt the button of her shorts snap open and the zip lowered. Carmen wanted this. And by God, Molly was going to let her have it.
Claiming Carmen’s lips again, Molly was ready to take back control. Twisting her body, she took her turn, slamming Carmen into the truck. Their movements were frantic, hands unwavering in their search for each other’s pleasure. This was fast, hard and everything Molly wanted.
Another twist and Molly was once again backed up into the hard metal. Carmen fighting for domination was erotic and not something Molly usually enjoyed, but between them, it was perfection.
“Turn around,” Carmen growled, taking Molly’s bottom lip between her teeth. Molly pushed Carmen’s body away. Taking her time, she slowly turned. The feel of Carmen pressing back into her body caused her clit to twitch. Whatever Carmen wanted, Molly was going to do it. “You have the most delicious ass I have ever seen,” Carmen murmured in her ear.
Molly’s shorts were tugged to the ground along with her panties. The sharp smack of Carmen’s hand on her bare ass cheek sent electricity coursing through her pussy. Desire escaped down her thigh as she waited with anticipation for Carmen to spank her again. The second hit was even more pleasurable than the first, especially when Carmen followed it with a rub and squeeze of her cheek.
“Spread your legs,” Carmen rasped. Molly could hear the frustration in her voice. Molly happily complied. She was in sexual heaven when Carmen ran her hand from Molly’s lower back up to her shoulder blade, bending her forward. “Is this what you want?”
“Yes,” Molly pleaded. Carmen’s hand continued up to Molly’s hair. With a gentle tug, Molly felt her head pulled back as Carmen’s other hand parted her dripping folds.
“You are soaked,” Carmen commented in wonder. Molly wanted to say something, anything, but Carmen rubbed her entire palm through Molly’s sex. “I want you all over my hand,” Carmen muttered.
“Oh my God,” Molly whined, the pleasure of just one long stroke almost tipped her over.
“Tell me what you want, Molly.”
“Inside me, please Carmen, inside.”
“Hard?”
“Yes!”
Carmen entered her hard with two fingers. Molly backed herself into the motion of Carmen fucking her hard and slow. As if reading her mind, Carmen pulled gently on Molly’s hair again just as she thrust forward.
“Oh fuck,” Molly moaned. The slow pace was preventing her orgasm from building to a release, instead it was stirring gently, sending raw pleasure to every corner of her body. Molly needed more. “Faster,” Molly panted.
“I’m not ready for you to come yet,” Carmen stated simply, pulling out of Molly entirely.
“Carmen,” Molly cried. A beat passed and then it happened. “Oh, yes!” Molly screamed when Carmen thrust with three fingers, fast and hard. It was a tsunami, a tidal wave, a hurricane of unbridled pleasure that ripped through Molly, leaving her a quivering screaming mess only able to stay in place because Carmen released her hair, wrapping her arm around Molly’s waist as she climaxed.
Molly couldn’t distinguish between the stars splayed across the sky and the ones dancing in her eyes. There was no question. She’d never experienced an orgasm as powerful as that. Molly’s entire body was sated. When Carmen withdrew her hand, Molly wanted to protest, take her hand and reinsert those wonderful fingers inside her until she writhed again.
“Are you okay?” Carmen asked gently, close to Molly’s ear. Molly nodded, her voice escaping her. If she couldn’t have Carmen’s fingers buried inside, then she’d have the next best thing.
Slowly straightening, Molly pulled up her shorts and underwear before turning to face Carmen. “Climb in the back.” Carmen didn’t argue. In fact, she didn’t say a damn word. Molly watched her climb onto the truck’s bed, her body lowering to the mattress. Standing at the foot of the truck, Molly slid her hands slowly up Carmen’s smooth long legs. Flicking the button open, she pulled Carmen’s tight shorts and panties down, tossing them haphazardly behind her.
Wrapping her hands under Carmen’s knees, she pulled until Carmen’s legs hung over the edge. Dropping to her knees, Molly used both palms to open Carmen wide. Fuck the starry sky, the Californian sun, and everything else that was supposed to be beautiful. This right here, Carmen laid bare, her pussy glistening with need. That was the most beautiful thing in the world and Molly was going to claim it.
The first swipe was nectar, pure and simple. Carmen tasted as sweet as when they’d kissed. Molly didn’t want to tease or torture. She wanted to feast and devour. Sucking Carmen’s clit into her mouth, Molly relished the loud moan pulled from Carmen’s throat. “Yes, oh yes,” Carmen cried.
Molly worked quickly, licking, sucking and fucking Carmen with her tongue. Gripping Carmen’s thighs, Molly held tightly as Carmen panted, moaned and then screamed into the night.
If tonight was all they had, then Molly was going to make the most of it. Carmen Ruiz would be hers over and over until sunrise. Molly was going to extract every bit of pleasure from this delectable woman.