"My first show?"
"Just look at these." Rob pointed out a few that Shandi had done in the last two weeks, including the portrait she'd done of Rob. "These are stunning. It's time for you to have your own show, time to show everyone who you are."
"But Rob ... geez, this is such a big first step. What if I'm not ready?"
Rob put her arms around Shandi, looking up a cluster of pieces called the Wheel of Seasons. Rob saw vibrant passion in her work, the same passion that she felt in Shandi's fingertips when she touched her and she felt blessed to be able to experience both. "You're ready."
Shandi took a deep breath, pushing the tears back and turned in Rob's arms, reveling in the solace she found there. This was a big step for her and though it was scary, she was so thankful and grateful that she had Rob there to take the step with her. As she pulled back, she peered into Rob's clear eyes and suddenly, everything was clear to her. She was in love with Rob. Really in love. Not just in lust. This was the real thing and she'd found it with Rob.
Rob was aware that something had changed in Shandi but she didn't know what and she was hoping that it wasn't her feelings. She stared down into her dark eyes, searching for something and finding nothing but love. "Shandi?"
"I love you."
Shandi watched Rob's reaction when she said the words and was happy when the woman's eyes filled with tears. She pulled Rob's mouth down to hers, savoring the sweet taste of her lover.
"Oh, Shandi." The breath caught in Rob's throat as Shandi's lips moved over hers. "I love you, too."
When she ended the kiss, Shandi let her fingers trace the soft contours of Rob's jaw line, moving down her throat and lightly, tantalizingly over her breasts. Rob's sudden intake of breath made her look up, pleased to see the dark lust in her eyes.
"Let's go home. I want to make love to you."
"No, we're not going home tonight. I have something special prepared for us."
"Then let's get going before I strip you right here."
A thrill ran through Rob's body at Shandi's words and hand-in-hand, they left the gallery, heading outside to Milo, waiting in the car. He gave Shandi a wink and a smile and drove them to Dover's Bed and Breakfast. Rob already had the key to room 203 and they headed upstairs, admiring the beauty of the inn along the way. She opened the door and had turned to close it when Shandi grabbed her and pushed her up against the wall, her hot mouth scouring her lips and neck.