Chapter 9 Brook #3
Brook began pulling pins from Aisling’s coppery hair, so long curls fell over her shoulders. When she finished with that, she took her brush from the vanity and ran it through Aisling’s hair gently.
Aisling tilted her head into it, like a foxly getting ear scritches.
Brook smiled. “I love having my hair brushed.”
“Me too. Well, I used to. It’s been so long.”
“I could wash it for you.”
Aisling glanced up at her then away quickly. “I’m all right. I can do it.”
“I’d love any excuse to touch your hair, you know.”
Aisling flushed prettily, hazel eyes flashing in the last of the twilight through the window.
When Aisling’s hair was brushed into smooth waves, Brook pulled at the shoulders of the robe. “Go on. I’ll bring you some nice oils to choose from, too.”
Aisling hesitated. Then nodded and stepped out of the robe, emerging pink and plump and beyond beautiful in the glow-globe light.
The backs of her thighs, the crease where they met her pert, round backside, the dimples in the small of her back, the smooth, creamy expanse where it met the small, freckled shoulders.
The strong tail lashing elegantly in its own little dance. Brook took it all in hungrily.
Aisling glanced over one shoulder. She caught Brook watching her, turned even pinker. And then smiled and climbed into the bath.
Brook shook her head to clear it (didn’t work, but worth a shot) and went to the linen cupboard for the herbs and oils.
Village Apothecary was a yearly visitor to the market, and they always had the best oils—both for actual healing and for lovely relaxing moments like these.
She pulled out some flowery and some herbaceous oils, then brough them to Aisling for approval.
The water was a vaguely steamy distortion, Aisling’s body still tense, her arms crossed over her breasts beneath the shimmering surface. Aisling eyed the vials for a moment, then looked up at Brook. “What did you use, this morning? You always smell nice.”
Brook dressed the bath for her just as she had her own, all purple flowers and bright herbs. “How’s that?”
Aisling took Brook’s hand and brought it up to her pale pink lips. Kissed it lightly, then said, “I’m sorry I was so insulting. I tried so hard to be grateful for what you gave me. But I couldn’t help wanting more.”
Brook frowned but tried to understand. “Ash… did I say or do something that made you think I was just… I mean, you’re right, I did want to fuck you. I always want to fuck you, just to be clear.”
Aisling smiled, puffy eyes crinkling adorably.
“But I didn’t think… were we done?”
“The market’s finished in a few days,” Aisling said.
“Right. But I—I travel a lot. And you could visit. I mean, it’s possible, if you wanted…” Brook glanced away, not wanting to see that hard look on Aisling’s face again. The one from the other day, when she’d told her to go away.
“Are you just saying that because I went mad on you?” Aisling asked ruefully. “I promise, I’m done being melodramatic.”
“No!” Brook glanced back at her, surprised to see Aisling smiling. She went on, “I don’t—I don’t know how it works, exactly. I’ve never tried anything ongoing with someone who didn’t live near me. But…”
Aisling cocked her head. Her hair was still fluffy and silken from the shoulders up but clinging to her arms in great masses below the water. Brook lifted a lock of it and wrapped it around her finger.
Aisling looked away. “Sunny said that I’m this summer’s him. I should’ve asked you if it was true, but I had no reason to expect anything more.”
A shock ran through Brook’s body like lightning. She slumped to her knees, leaning both arms on the edge of the tub. Just like that, it all made perfect sense. “Oh goddess. Of course that’s what you think. Why would you think anything else?”
“I was afraid to ask,” Aisling murmured, meeting her gaze again. “I didn’t want to hear you say no so I just said it to myself. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m so sorry!” Brook insisted. “What else could you think. The way I…”
“Fuck around?” Aisling offered.
“Fuck around!” Brook declared, then sighed and slumped a little further.
“It’s charming,” Aisling replied, smile widening. “But intimidating, too. For someone like me.”
Brook raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on. You have plenty of experience.”
“Some.” The smile became a smirk, then. “But nothing long term, either. And then, with the engagement being fake, I just thought…”
“All the information you had was against me. And I didn’t give you any more.” Brook traced the curve of Aisling’s shoulder with one finger. “Can I now?”
Aisling nodded.
“Let’s figure something out. Let’s find a way to keep this going.
I don’t know for how long or where or how, but you’re a genius.
You’ll think of something.” Brook felt a little lighter after she said it.
She only wished she’d thought to say it sooner.
That she had more experience with this part of love, not just the overnight bit.
“On one condition,” Aisling said quietly.
“Name it.”
“Take off those leathers and get in here with me.”