The summer evening brushed across Melissa's face as she opened the door, warm after the air-conditioned comfort of the cab and lightly scented with wisteria. She climbed out of the car, then reached back in to help Kirsten get out. They took a slightly unsteady step away, and Kirsten pushed the door shut. They stood for a moment, balancing each other and oblivious to the departing taxi. Melissa closed her eyes and took a deep breath, visualizing the fresh, floral air going in through her nose and flooding her lungs, and flushing out the couple of drinks she'd had, replacing it with a new kind of intoxication. She exhaled, and realized she was still holding Kirsten's arm, just above the elbow. She opened her eyes and noticed Kirsten watching her. She caught her eye and they both laughed, suddenly nervous. Kirsten dropped her eyes and took her arm away, lightly brushing Melissa's hip with her hand.
Intentional?
Melissa wasn't sure, but probably not. Not Kirsten, surely! Still, the possibility put a small spark to a fire that had been gently smoldering in her belly the whole evening. Kirsten met her eyes, then quickly glanced away. Warmth from the fire spread downwards. Kirsten swallowed - maybe a little too hard. "Let's go inside. I'm getting cold," she said, her voice shaking very slightly.
Kirsten's husband opened the front door just as she got her key out.
"I wondered how long you'd stay out there" he said, as he welcomed them in. Had he been watching? What did he make of it? They came into the small hallway and stopped to take off their shoes. As she bent down, Melissa's gaze came level with his crotch, and the bulge visible there told her he had been watching and he had made something of it. Perhaps she wasn't imagining things, after all? The small fire burnt brighter, and she became even more aware of the heat growing between her legs.
She stood and felt his hand on her lower back, the same as his other hand was on his wife, as he guided them down the hallway to the living room. He nudged them towards the sofa and offered water and tea. Kirsten and Melissa settled onto the sofa, Kirsten sitting sideways with her legs outstretched, and Melissa with her feet tucked under her. The strange nervousness had disappeared and they chatted comfortably about the evening and about Kirsten's friends they'd met up with. Melissa had felt slightly out of place, but Kirsten told her they'd all seemed to like her.
"You both look like you had a good time," her husband said, as he brought in the drinks and a small dish of chocolates. "But, you'll have to tell me all about it in the morning. I'm off to bed. Don't stay up yapping all night".
He bent to give his wife a goodnight kiss. She closed her eyes and he stroked her hair; they both seemed to be fighting the desire to sink into it. Melissa's burning fire flared as she watched them. He straightened and approached her, then awkwardly leaned forward to kiss her cheek, the custom from her country, but not his. She was taken by surprise and turned the wrong way. The kiss landed on her lips, and she jumped slightly. He pulled back, slightly startled, and she licked her lips, wondering if it was him or his wife she could taste. She glanced at her friend, worried about her reaction. But Kirsten was smiling at her with a tilted head, tasting her own lips with her tongue. Her husband stood up and smiled.
"Good night, both of you," and he was gone.
Melissa smiled at Kirsten and the nervousness, that weird tension, was back. She unfolded herself to lean forward and pick up her tea from the coffee table, took a sip and replaced the cup. When she sat back, Kirsten had shifted slightly, one knee now resting against the back of the sofa, the toes of her other foot just grazing Melissa's thigh. Melissa caught a flash of blue from under her skirt. She knew Kirsten was wearing the lacy bra she'd bought on their last shopping trip together, when Kirsten had visited her; the distinctive strap had been catching her eye all evening. Melissa had wondered about the panties, and now she had her answer. She put her hand on Kirsten's ankle; the movement felt natural, but her hand was shaking.
"I've missed you guys," she said, at the same time Kirsten said, "I'm glad you finally visited us." Kirsten wriggled her toes under Melissa's leg.
"My feet are cold," she said.
