The only light in the living room came from the fire in the fireplace and a couple of candles that Marie had lit. Some mellow music was playing; Jessica poured everyone a snifter of brandy and for awhile they all just sat around staring at the fire.
Then a new song started, something slow but sinuous with an African rhythm. Moving as if impelled by a force beyond her control, Celeste stood up and began to dance.
The rest of them just watched, hypnotized, as Celeste swayed and gyrated, firelight reflecting orange on her ebony skin. Her dance was both innocent and sexy, expressing both sensual pleasure and a pure radiant joy. Looking on, Jessica realized that she already felt a deep intimacy with Celeste, although they'd barely spoken and never even kissed. Looking around the room she felt like they were complete, now, as a family. She hadn't realized that anything had been missing before, but apparently it had.
Another song started, one with a heavier groove and a bassline that made the floor vibrate. Modulating the rhythm of her movement, Celeste began to strip. She pulled off first her shirt, then her bra. For a while she danced topless, nipples jutting out boldly, breasts bobbing gently up and down. Jessica bit her lip, a sheen forming on her forehead, wetness between her legs beginning to make itself known.
Still flowing with the music, Celeste somehow, without missing a beat, got her pants off and let them fall. Now she was dancing in just panties and socks, turning and posing, showing off her assets. Jessica sat and sipped her cognac, wide-eyed with wonder at the beauty before her.
Then Celeste's panties hit the ground at Jessica's feet. Her naked body was magnificent, glistening, glowing. She twirled once, twice, three times, and landed in Jessica's lap. The two of them looked into each other's eyes from inches away. Something passed between them, some unspoken communication. And then they kissed.
Celeste's lips were plump, juicy, and pillowy-soft. Jessica chewed and sucked on them, feeling the warmth of Celeste's nude body against hers. Then their tongues met, probing gently into each other's mouths. Jessica reached out and gently caressed one erect nipple, then cupped the breast, feeling its weight in her hand.
When they broke the kiss, Celeste quietly whispered a few words in French into Jessica's ear. She didn't know what they meant, but they sounded wonderful. Then, in one deft move, Celeste spun and dropped, ending up on her knees in front of Jessica. She untied the sash of Jessica's robe and let it fall open.
Jessica looked over at Marie. "Tell her she doesn't have to do this."