Tragic events in her formative years colour Melissa’s perceptions of her place in the world. Trust and commitment are not concepts she embraces. Known in Alice Springs for her aloof behaviour, Melissa is okay with that. She prefers to view life through the lens of her camera.
“Good time, huh?” he asked as she clung to him in the Arrivals Hall. “Or are you just pleased to see me?”
“Of course I’m pleased to see you, you fool. It’s been a tiring trip, that’s all.”
“And the party?”
“The party’s over. I don’t want to talk about it.”
He didn’t pursue the matter. He took her home instead and that night for the first time, she invited him to stay.
“Sweetheart, are you sure you’re ready for this?” Chris kissed her gently. “I don’t want to feel as though I’m rushing you or taking advantage.”
“Chris Harris, are you turning me down?”
His stomach churned at the anguish in her eyes. It made him want to hold her tight. “Are you kidding me? I’ll never turn you down. I just wanted to make sure…”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
She grasped him tightly as though trying to melt into him. His aroused response was immediate and very apparent. She led him to her room, shutting the door quietly before turning to face him. With eyes fixed on his, she slid down the zip to her dress. Dropping it to the floor, she stepped out of it and grasping his face between her hands, reaching up to claim his lips.
With a soft moan, he slid a hand down her back to grab her butt and press her as close as it was possible for two people to be with their clothes still on. Opening her mouth to him, their tongues engaged, a gentle journey of exploration—teasing, tasting and exploring. He could feel her nipples, trapped in their lacy harness, hardening to pebbles and pressing against his chest. His arousal strained in response.
Pulling back, Melissa undid the buttons of his shirt, baring his skin beneath her fingers and darting quick licks across the hollow of his neck. At the same time, he unhooked her bra, dragging it off and casting it aside. He took one breast in his hand, caressing the peachy tip between the finger and thumb and causing her to throw back her head with mewls of pleasure.
The remainder of their clothes were discarded with mutual haste. With a gentle shove, she pushed Chris onto her bed, her legs entwined with his as they began an exploration of each other’s bodies.
Bourbon, Bikes, and Books 