Keep Hold Read online

  Kathryn edged closer, her gaze never faltering from Claire’s darkened, lust filled eyes, and their bodies touched with an electrifying jolt.

  “Close enough for you, Nurse?” Kathryn’s breathing was heavy and uneven.

  Achingly slow, Claire stood on tippy toes and kissed her, almost innocently at first, before gently pushing the tip of her tongue into Kathryn’s willing mouth. Kathryn moaned softly, encouraging Claire, who pushed her tongue deeper.

  She fought the desire to rip her clothes off so Claire could be quick; she wasn’t sure she needed a slow and sexy build-up. She already felt like she was about to explode, any more build-up and things might get messy.

  “Do you want me to stop?” Claire asked.

  Kathryn shook her head and Claire took her face in both hands, pulling back from the kiss. “This ends anytime you want, okay?”

  Kathryn nodded, inhaling deeply.

  “You’re beautiful and I want you. Trust me, that’s all you need to know right now. Just relax and let me do all the work.”

  Kathryn’s head lowered. “That’s what Andy used to say.”

  Claire reached for Kathryn’s chin, raising it until their eyes met. “I’m not Andy, and right now my focus is getting you naked and getting you off.”

  “You have such a way with words.”

  Claire gently kissed her, tugging at her bottom lip, her hands finding bare flesh for the first time under Kathryn’s top. “True. Now, let me have my way with you.”

  Their kiss intensified, and she found herself touching Claire all over. Even through clothing, touching another woman’s breasts was incredible, and Claire’s hardening nipples sent shockwaves directly to her clit. It had never occurred to Kathryn that a woman could react that way to her touch. Andy certainly hadn’t. She slid her hands down Claire’s back and forcefully grasped Claire’s toned backside. It was delicious. Every squeeze left Claire moaning for more, and it was Claire’s desire that fed hers. To have a woman’s tongue hungrily filling her mouth was becoming unbearable. She wanted more.

  “Jesus,” panted Kathryn.

  Claire grasped the hair at the back of Kathryn’s neck and forced their lips together again. Kathryn opened for her, and the kiss was intense, addictive, like an illicit drug.

  Kathryn pulled back. “I’m gonna start begging sooner rather than later.”

  Claire smiled as she tugged at Kathryn’s top, forcing her to raise her arms to remove it. “You don’t need to beg me. I’ll satisfy you, I promise. But it’ll be nice and slow.” Claire unzipped Kathryn’s pants and slipped her hand briefly inside, sinking low where her wetness seeped through her G-string.

  Kathryn’s legs gave way and she stumbled back onto the bed. “If you touch me like that again, you won’t get a chance to go slow.”

  Claire laughed. “Maybe not the first time, but we’ve got all afternoon.”

  Claire yanked the bottom of Kathryn’s pants and pulled them off. Kathryn lay uncovered in a simple black bra and matching G-string.

  “I’m terrified, Claire,” she blurted, feeling exposed and vulnerable. “Look at you, you’re an expert. I won’t be able to do this for you.”

  Claire removed her own top and jeans and stood by Kathryn. She took Kathryn’s hand and pushed it inside her tight white boxers, forcing her to feel her wetness. “See? You’re already doing it for me.”

  “I did that?”

  “God, yes. You have no idea how sexy you are, do you?”

  Claire allowed Kathryn’s fingers to explore for another moment before tugging her hand away. “There are no rules, Kathryn.” Claire joined her on the bed.

  They kissed again, this time their soft lips met in perfect rhythm.

  “Don’t we need things?” asked Kathryn.

  Claire shifted her weight onto her, positioning a leg between hers. She seductively kissed toward her ear.

  “Claire, don’t we need something?”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know, like a dildo or vibrator or something?”

  Claire nipped her earlobe, forcing her thigh snugly into Kathryn’s groin. “You want to replace Andy’s real dick with a plastic one?”

  The pressure between her legs was excruciating. Kathryn gasped. “No. Yes. I don’t know. Do I?”

  Claire looked Kathryn in the eye. “I have everything you need right here.” Without breaking eye contact, Claire plunged her hand down Kathryn’s pants, parted her wetness, and entered her deeply, only once, before withdrawing again.

  “Fucking hell.” Kathryn’s breathing laboured as her body jerked. “Yep, I think you have everything I need.”

  “I thought so. Now be a good girl and lie back and let me give it to you.”

  Kathryn closed her eyes and relaxed. Her fear remained as Claire rose above her, but it was impossible to compete with the overwhelming arousal she was experiencing. She let Claire slide her hands behind her back and release her bra clasp. Her eyes opened briefly to witness Claire’s smile at the sight of her breasts. I can’t believe that you want me. Andy had once mentioned she would look good with implants, but when she flatly refused, he began treating her breasts with indifference. In contrast, Claire began paying them close attention, and her nipples responded favourably. Kathryn closed her eyes again as Claire lowered her head, her tongue flicking out to lightly brush her tingling left nipple—Kathryn groaned—then her right. In a complete state of wanting, she arched forward and delved her hands into Claire’s hair, gripping her tightly and pushing her open mouth over her breasts.

  “Claire, I think I’m gonna pass out if you keep doing this so slowly.”

  Claire winked, releasing a nipple to speak. “I’m a nurse. If you pass out I’ll know exactly what to do to bring you round.”

  Kathryn writhed as Claire reached to stroke her inner thigh. Her breathing was shallow and disjointed. “I get the feeling that what you’re delaying doing to me is the same as what you’ll do to me to bring me back.” She drew a sharp breath as Claire’s fingers danced lightly over her underwear. “Claire!”

  “Open your eyes,” said Claire.

  “Please, Claire. Just do it.” Kathryn’s body had already gone where Andy could never take it. She needed release.

  “Open your eyes, baby.”

  Kathryn obeyed, unable to control her writhing body. She clawed at Claire’s bra until she exposed a breast and groped for it. Claire removed her bra, and Kathryn cupped modest breasts in her hands. “God, you’re exquisite.” Completely astounded that the perfect breasts of another woman could elicit such powerful sensations in her already throbbing clit, Kathryn toyed with Claire’s delicate nipples for as long as she was allowed.

  Claire grinned before kissing the pulse throbbing in Kathryn’s neck. Kathryn exhaled in relief as she watched Claire turn her attention southward, over each breast, down the entire length of her stomach to the top of her pants, never once breaking eye contact. She pushed Kathryn’s G-string over her knees, and Kathryn did the rest, kicking it off.

  What followed was something Kathryn would never forget. Claire kissed up her inner thigh, slowly and deliberately toward the centre of Kathryn’s passion as her fingers brushed over the tiny patch of trimmed hair.

  “Please, Claire,” Kathryn cried, arching her back and thrusting her pelvis. “God, I can’t take this.”

  “Ask for it.” Claire flicked Kathryn’s clit with her tongue.

  “What?” Kathryn pushed up on her elbows, flinging her head back as Claire’s tongue circled her full and wanting clitoris.

  “Ask me. Whatever it is you want, just ask.” Claire’s index finger played with Kathryn’s dripping wet opening.

  Kathryn wasn’t sure what she wanted. She wanted it all—Claire’s fingers, her tongue, she wanted to come. Suddenly, she knew what to ask for. “Fuck me please. Every way you can, please just fuck me. I’m begging you.”

  Claire smiled and did exactly what was asked of her.

  Within seconds, Kathryn felt th
e pressure climb to an extreme oxygen-lacking height as Claire’s tongue slid deep inside her. The rush of warmth and passion exploded in every cell of her body. She clutched Claire’s head and pressed it to her while her entire body convulsed in pleasure.

  It took a long time for Kathryn to float back to earth from her orgasm. When Claire slowly entered her again, she let out a long moan. “God, where have you been all my life?”

  “Well, when you were twenty-four, I was still underage.”

  “Were you doing this when you were fifteen?” Kathryn could hardly breathe, let alone talk.

  “Not with anyone half as sexy as you. Now hush. I haven’t finished.” Claire’s tongue pressed firmly on Kathryn’s clit.

  “Jesus Christ.” Kathryn spread her legs wider.

  Kathryn returned to the edge within seconds, relishing a G-spot she never knew she had.

  “Let it out,” said Claire.

  Kathryn fought to hold on.

  “We can do this all afternoon. Come for me again.”

  Kathryn did let it out. She screamed her orgasm so loud, she was sure the old bloke next door would have a coronary.

  Completely satisfied and with heightened senses, Kathryn pushed Claire off her and quenched her thirst with a huge swig of wine. “That was amazing.” She reclined next to Claire. “You’re amazing. I can’t believe we just did that.”

  Kathryn slipped under the edge of the sheet. Post orgasm, she felt a little exposed. “I feel like I’m floating. I can’t imagine any drug providing a bigger high than this.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” said Claire.

  “Women are so different, aren’t they? I mean your skin, your touch, the words you say and how you say them, it’s all so tender, so gentle, and so damn sexy.”

  “I don’t want to burst your bubble, but women can be equally as cruel, calculating, and clinical as any man.”

  Kathryn thought about it for a moment. No, of course tenderness and kindness weren’t gender exclusive, and sex with anyone you found attractive had the potential to be a wonderful experience.

  Kathryn began to fidget self-consciously. Her courage was fading and she was less confident of her abilities now. She wanted to remove Claire’s sexy white boxers and feel between her legs again. She needed reassurance that Claire was still turned on and wanting. Kathryn froze. I want to get this right. What if I don’t do it right?

  Claire touched her cheek and spoke softly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything.” She sounded disappointed.

  “What?”

  “It’s fine,” she reassured Kathryn with a warm smile. “You don’t have to hang around. Go shower if you want.”

  “Shower? Do you want me to leave?” Kathryn’s euphoric state was dwindling by the second.

  “No, of course not. But this happens. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

  “Are we on the same page here?”

  “Look.” Claire leant on her elbows. “Most straight women love the first part but can’t face the thought of the second bit. I understand.”

  Kathryn’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. The implication that she’d had her fill and was ready to leave became a source of courage. “You think I can’t do you?”

  “Hmm…Well, I wouldn’t have put it so crudely, but no, I don’t think you want to, and I won’t let you.”

  “You won’t let me?”

  “I’m not Andy, Kathryn. It matters to me if you’re into it or not.”

  “And you don’t think I am?”

  “The look on your face tells me you’d rather be absolutely anywhere but here right now.”

  Kathryn had heard enough and decided Claire should stop speaking. She hadn’t waited until she was thirty-nine to experience the most amazing orgasm ever and then not finish what had started between them. She discarded the sheets, pulled off Claire’s underwear—raising her eyebrow to discover she was naturally blond—before holding Claire’s arms firmly above her head. “And I’m telling you, you little smart-arse, that I will make you come, and you will beg me to let you.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Claire hadn’t been smart enough to set her alarm ten minutes earlier, and now she was kicking herself. Ten minutes was all she would have needed to relive an abridged version of Kathryn’s seduction the previous day.

  With difficulty, she shelved the sexy thought, vowing to spend her lunch break conjuring up scenarios of a repeat performance.

  Kathryn had made love to her like a woman possessed. Maybe dominating Andy wasn’t her thing, but she rather quickly learned how to make Claire orgasm more than once.

  The timing of Claire’s return to work was ironic. Spending her days with Kathryn was a far more attractive proposition than an ED filled with sick people. The disappointment of returning to work as things were heating up between them was softened by the fact that Kathryn had job interviews scheduled for the remainder of the week.

  Also softening the blow, like a stinky wet blanket, was reality. Claire was choosing to ignore this for the time being, but the fact that Kathryn was Jess’s older sister couldn’t be overlooked indefinitely. In fact, the thought terrified her.

  Last night, things had been peculiar to say the least. Jess rambled on about work, Alex sat reviewing case notes until dinner, and all the while, Claire and Kathryn shared a secret that bound them. Claire observed how Kathryn couldn’t even bring herself to look at her for the entire evening. She smiled every time she thought of their awkwardness.

  Claire had attempted to wait up until it was just the two of them, but Kathryn and Alex were chatting after Jess disappeared, and her seven o’clock start the following morning demanded an early night.

  Claire had sent Kathryn a text message: Thanks for making me beg. We’ll see who begs the most next time.xx

  Seconds later, she received a reply: Sweet dreams, Claire.x

  Claire grinned, imagining the dilation of Kathryn’s pupils and the subtle blushing of her cheeks as she read the message before falling fast asleep.

  Now, eating breakfast across the table from Jess, Claire was beginning to wonder how she would take the news that her sister was bedding her ex-lover.

  Claire backpedalled. How was Jess going to take the news that Kathryn was a lesbian?

  “So, you looking forward to life back in the ED?” asked Jess, munching on toast and Vegemite.

  “Mostly,” Claire replied. “I guess I was getting used to being a lady of leisure.”

  “Well, my garden certainly benefited from your free time.” She eyed Claire. “I know Kathryn’s enjoyed your company this last week.” Jess’s expression was sincere, and Claire’s heart faltered momentarily. “Thanks for tolerating her. She’s too straight for her own good sometimes. I think your friendship is good for her. And you’re a good friend to me, too. That’s why I love you so much.” Jess kissed the top of Claire’s head on the way to the dishwasher.

  Claire’s smile faded. Deceiving Jess was hell.

  Discretion was the key, and until she and Kathryn discussed an appropriate course of action, Claire’s behaviour would remain in check, although she was dead keen for a repeat performance of yesterday afternoon as soon as possible. All traces of Victoria had vanished, Kathryn had ensured that, and now any residual regrets she harboured about giving up her own place had vanished, too.

  Dressed in navy blue scrubs, her hair tied in a ponytail, Claire stood outside Kathryn’s closed bedroom door contemplating a quick good-bye kiss. It was only six fifteen though, and Kathryn probably needed the sleep. If she were awake, Claire was sure she would have joined her for breakfast. She couldn’t bring herself to knock.

  With only minutes to spare, Claire zipped into the car park at the same time Murray guided her black BMW sports car through the gates. Claire didn’t have the luxury of a designated parking space, so Murray waited near on five minutes for Claire to find a space and rush over.

  “Jesus, Murray.” Claire whistled, eyeing her
in an expensive black suit, casually leaning up against her expensive black car. “You get more damn sexy every day.”

  “And good morning to you, too.” Murray eyed her up and down. “You know, the thought of waking next to you every morning, with your cute little compliments is almost tempting.”

  Murray held her own where Claire was concerned, and the privilege was reserved for Claire and Claire alone. Banter of this kind between a nurse and a doctor could be professional suicide with the wrong victim. Claire was no victim.

  “You only have to say the word, and I’m all yours, Doctor,” said Claire.

  “That’s not what you said yesterday.”

  Claire had forgotten about their conversation yesterday. She smiled.

  Murray stopped dead in her tracks. “Claire, please tell me you didn’t?”

  “Didn’t what?”

  Murray cocked her head to one side. “Remove your sunglasses.”

  “Huh?”

  “Don’t mess with me, Paddy.”

  “You’re worse than Alex.” Murray didn’t scare her. She removed her sunglasses.

  “Oh my God, you did.”

  “Fuck off.” Claire couldn’t help but smile as she nudged past Murray. “You can’t tell from just looking at my eyes.”

  Murray grinned, catching up and nudging her back. “When are you going to learn, Paddy? It’s never the answer that gives you away; it’s your reaction to the question.”

  “Between you, Jess, and Alex, what hope have I got?”

  “What about Jean?”

  “I don’t think I need Jean anymore. I feel completely cured.”

  Murray laughed and headed upstairs for a meeting. Claire headed to the front line.

  It had been a quiet Monday night in the ED, and Claire only inherited four patients at handover. She was on shift with three nurses well known to her and a newer and less experienced nurse who looked like he was barely shaving.

  Within minutes of the handover, another patient arrived via ambulance—a middle-aged woman with chest and arm pain. Claire worked to ease the frightened darkness in her eyes.

  “Hi there, I’m Claire. Just try and relax while I get some details from this gentleman.” Claire smiled, referring to Billy, the paramedic checking her in.