Blind Faith, page 14
By the halfway point her legs felt like jelly and her fingers trembled. Without thought, she looked down and froze. Even knowing the safety rope was taking the strain didn’t help the feeling of impending doom from consuming her. Faith’s smile faded, replaced by a look of concern.
‘Drew, look up,’ Faith shouted and pointed. Her heart was trying to break out of her chest watching Drew trying to be brave. It was irrational; the safety rope was safe! The urge to protect Drew was strong though, and the tension she felt had more to do with her desire to hold the woman close and explore every part of her than it had anything to do with Drew climbing or falling.
Drew turned to face the wall, heart thumping, legs weak, and then, she let go.
A cheer went up and Drew realised she was floating down to the ground, supported by the safety rope. Her heart slowed and by the time she landed on the ground on her feet, she was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
‘You did real good,’ Leroy said, approaching her with a beaming grin and a high five. ‘You want to go again?’
Drew shook her head. Her thighs throbbed and her hands still shook and as much as she might love to have a second go, the chances of her improving on the first attempt she knew would be slim. And, a line of wide-eyed children waited patiently. ‘Maybe later, thanks.’
Leroy unhooked her from the harness and she walked towards Faith.
Faith went to move towards Drew and stopped. ‘Well done,’ she said and grinned. ‘Quite the climber, eh?’
‘I don’t think so.’ Drew shook her head with a beaming smile.
‘You did brilliantly.’ Faith gazed at Drew with genuine admiration.
They walked back to the centre in comfortable silence, leaving Cliff to return to the skate park. ‘This is an amazing space,’ Drew said.
‘The crew built it, with a little help from sponsor companies. But they did all the fundraising and engaged supporters, coordinated the work.’ She paused. ‘It always amazes me what people can achieve when given the opportunity and resources.’
Drew got the impression Faith was underplaying her own input to the project. ‘And having others believe in them,’ she said.
Faith turned to Drew and smiled. ‘Yes.’ Her voice was softer, quieter.
‘Would you like to stay for the disco?’ Drew said. ‘I can see if Harriet will open the café first thing if we need to stay over.’
Faith stood and held Drew in her gaze. ‘I’m sure mum would put us up for the night, or I can find you a hotel room if you would prefer? I know the crew would be chuffed, but if you need to get back, that’s fine. I didn’t plan on staying when I asked you to come with me.’ She shrugged.
Drew nodded. ‘It’s okay with me. I’m intrigued to hear the Divine DJ Vicar in action,’ she said with a coy smile, and then flushed.
Faith laughed. ‘It’s been a while. I’ll call mum and let her know.’
Drew stood admiring the shining jet-black hair, the lighter green irises, that reflected the early autumn sun. The touch of hazel and darker green around the outer edges had Drew entranced. There was a healthy glow in Faith’s cheeks and soft lines that shaped beautifully almond eyes and then the kissable lips, slightly moist, enticing and very, very dangerous. Fireworks sparked through Drew and she ached with desire. Spending the night with Faith was an opportunity she wasn’t going to refuse. Sod the café. If Harriet couldn’t open up tomorrow then the customers would just have to wait.
14.
Drew watched Faith on the stage, headphones covering one ear, talking and laughing with the man behind the old-style turntable. She had observed her all day, talking to old friends, acquaintances, listening attentively to their stories. It hadn’t escaped her notice that Faith had declined to skateboard and she thought knew why. Faith hadn’t come here for herself. She was here for the people she served, and there was nothing subservient in that. On the contrary, she found the quality in Faith deeply alluring.
She hadn’t thought it possible for her feelings for Faith to grow stronger, but they had. She had never wanted anyone in the way that she wanted Faith. It was a need so excruciatingly delicious, she wondered if it would ever be satiated. She hoped not. The thought of Faith’s hot skin pressing against her own; the soft breath at her ear, on her neck; the delicious taste of her, had driven her to near the boiling point as the day had progressed. The idea of staying away from Faith as the night closed in was becoming harder to sustain. When Faith had approached earlier and whispered into her ear, she had darn near wet herself. She hadn’t got a clue what Faith had said but she had nodded and smiled and Faith had looked at her with vivid intensity before being dragged away by another excitable youth wanting her attention.
Faith was scratching a record on the turntable and people were cheering and dancing. She looked engrossed in the music, and happy.
Drew continued to stare, sipping from her water. She didn’t even have alcohol to blame for her feelings. Faith had told her, many of the youngsters were in rehab so the crew had agreed to the community space being designated an alcohol and drug-free zone. It was self-monitored and self-managed. The energy was electric; pure, innocent, and alive.
The record came to an end and the main DJ took over and as everyone applauded Faith, she took a bow, raised her hands and applauded the audience and stepped off the stage. She managed to make a quick, unhindered, path to Drew and stood in front of her grinning. ‘What do you think?’ she shouted, her eyes scanning the room.
‘It’s fantastic,’ Drew shouted back.
‘You will let me know when you’ve had enough?’ Faith shouted.
There was something in Faith’s look that filtered through Drew and as she held her gaze the intensity in Faith’s eyes left her breathless.
Faith seemed to read Drew’s mind and her smile confirmed her wishes. ‘Shall we go?’ Faith said.
Drew looked around the room.
‘They won’t be expecting me to stay,’ Faith said.
Drew nodded. The movement was slow but certain and her eyes didn’t waver from Faith. She hadn’t realised she had been biting her lip until a sharp pain came to her. She felt the heat in her chest spread through her.
Faith looked around the room; people dancing, chatting, and laughing, and smiled. ‘Come on,’ she said and made her way to the exit.
Drew followed Faith into the changing room leaving the loud music in the main hall, a slight rumble accompanying them into the empty space. As the door closed behind them, the sound diminished further and Drew became aware of the fact that they were alone. Drew moved to take her jacket from the peg at the same time Faith reached for it and when their hands touched an electric shock fired through Drew. She gasped and jerked away, aware that her hands were shaking and her insides vibrated with urgent desire.
‘Sorry,’ Faith said and Drew noticed the dark eyes focused intently on her.
She cleared her throat, broke eye contact, took the jacket from Faith and put it on. ‘Thanks,’ she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Faith lifted her jacket from the peg and put it on.
In the silence, Drew could feel her heart pounding in her chest.
Faith picked up the helmet and turned towards the door.
Drew released a breath and followed her.
Climbing onto the bike, Drew moaned as Faith revved the engine. The vibration through the seat was doing nothing to help her composure and as she stared at the back of Faith, the scent of the woman inside her helmet in the balmy night air, the jacket clinging to her skin, she felt sure she might pass out if she held Faith around the waist.
And then Faith accelerated and Drew clung on for dear life. The only thing scarier to Drew was being halfway up a rock-climbing wall. And then an image of Faith lying naked next to her came into her mind’s eye. No, that was scarier!
Within twenty-minutes Faith pulled into the driveway of a large detached property and stopped the bike in front of a double garage. She removed her helmet, switched off the engine and rested the bike on its stand. She moved as if to hold out a hand to help Drew off the bike then retracted it.
Drew climbed off the bike, took off her helmet and studied the house. ‘Wow!’ she said. ‘That’s pretty.’
Faith followed her gaze. She had always loved the large Georgian property with its whitewashed walls, simple symmetrical design, astragal bars of a square design in large windows that had always led to a light airy feel inside the house. But more than that, she had loved her life here with her mum and the other children that had become her siblings over the years. ‘It is,’ she said. ‘Come on.’ She walked towards the front door and rang the bell.
The woman who answered the door greeted Faith with open arms. ‘Faith!’ she said.
‘Hey mum,’ Faith said and planted a kiss on the woman’s cheek. ‘Mum, this is Drew,’ she said, looking to Drew and encouraging her to come closer. ‘Drew, this is Andrea.’
‘Hello, Drew,’ Andrea said and pulled her into a welcoming hug. ‘Faith has told me a lot about you. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the park today.’ She led Drew into the house.
‘Thank you for having me,’ Drew said.
Andrea smiled, eyed Drew up and down with affection and then squeezed her arm. ‘You are very welcome my darling. Are you hungry?’ She looked from Drew to Faith.
‘We ate at the centre,’ Faith said. ‘Sorry, it’s a fleeting visit. We hadn’t planned to stay over and need to leave first thing as Drew has to get back to the café and I’ve got a service.’
‘Of course.’ Andrea smiled at them both. The two rooms on the right are ready for you,’ she said. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘Thanks, mum,’ Faith said and kissed her cheek again. She looked to Drew as if to say, are you coming and Drew nodded.
‘Thank you,’ Drew said, and followed Faith. They climbed the stairs and entered the first bedroom. The scent of fresh clean linen came to Drew and she stared at the inviting large double bed, the white quilt with a floral print across the lower quarter of the material and matching pillows.
‘There’s a shower through that door,’ Faith said. ‘I’ve got some spare clothes here you can use.’
Drew held Faith’s soft gaze and noticed the intensity shift in the narrowing of her eyes. She seemed to wince, take a long deep breath and look to the ceiling before settling back on Drew with a little more reserve.
Drew watched Faith swallow and when Faith lifted her hand to rub at her forehead, Drew noticed she was shaking. Drew’s heart skipped a beat with the sudden surge of lust that she felt sure was a mutual feeling. She took a step closer, hand outstretched. ‘Is everything okay?’ she said in a whisper, scanning Faith, seeking reassurance.
Faith lowered her hand to her side, faced Drew and released a long breath. She tried to smile but it was tainted with gravity, and Drew became aware of the racing pulse at Faith’s neck. Faith went to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.
Drew frowned, apprehension causing her heart to thud uncomfortably. Had she read the signals incorrectly? ‘What is it?’ she, stepping closer.
Faith blinked repeatedly, pulled her lips into her mouth to wet them, and then spoke in a silky-soft tone that struggled not to break. ‘I think I’m in trouble.’
Drew squinted, nodded her head slowly, studied the flushed cheeks, the dark gaze and soft lips. She became aware that Faith was watching herself being watched.
‘Yes,’ Faith said. ‘That kind of trouble.’
Drew inched closer until she was barely touching Faith and the electric current that exposed her, the heat of Faith burning her skin, caused her to gasp. And then Faith smiled with such desire, Drew could barely breathe, and yet she had never felt more alive. Drew inched closer until she could sense Faith’s breath on her. She held Faith’s gaze answering the unanswered question, then her eyes closed and Faith’s lips touched hers with such tenderness. She couldn’t prevent the guttural groan that escaped her. She fell into the soft kiss that caressed her with unhurried movements. So tender! And then Faith’s hand was holding her head and pulling her closer, the other hand in the centre of her back, caressing her. Faith’s tongue was exploring and dancing with hers. Drew moved effortlessly with the rhythm of it, savouring the touch and taste she had longed for. Faith’s kisses became gentle and she moved away. When Drew opened her eyes, the dark intensity she saw filled her with urgency and she found Faith’s mouth with such crushing need that they stumbled together. Faith eased back again and rubbed a thumb across Drew’s moist lips.
‘I’ve wanted you for so long,’ Drew said, her voice broken. She reached up to touch Faith’s hair, her hand trembling. She traced the line of Faith’s jaw, noting the prickling effect the touch was having on Faith’s skin, moved across Faith’s lips and down her neck. ‘You’re so beautiful.’ She held Faith’s unwavering gaze. ‘I want you to stay with me.’
Faith’s lips twitched into a coy smile. She took Drew’s hand and led her to the bathroom. She stood in front of Drew and removed her top and Drew’s eyes refused to budge from the delicious breasts revealed through the lacy black bra. When Faith unclipped the bra and allowed it to fall, Drew gasped. And when Faith started to unbutton her jeans, she watched wide-eyed until they too hit the ground.
Drew studied the naked athletic form she had imagined. But she had never envisioned this! Urgently, she removed her clothes and stood facing Faith; Faith holding Drew’s gaze firmly, reassuringly.
Faith took Drew’s hand and walked her into the shower. She turned on the water, shuddered as the cold spray hit her back and then when the warm water came, she pulled Drew closer and smiled. She tipped soap into her hands and placed them on Drew’s shoulders, the spray providing a soft shower of mist that fell lightly.
Drew groaned.
Faith moved the soap down Drew’s arms, into her hands, interlinking with her fingers, leaned in and kissed her lips, then spread the soap up her arms and across the top of her chest. Slowly, she slipped her hands around the outside of Drew’s breasts, underneath and then cupped them. Drew gasped. Faith placed another kiss to Drew’s lips and ran the soap across Drew’s nipples with her thumbs.
Drew jolted and groaned, encouraging Faith to kiss her harder.
Faith slipped her hands around Drew’s back, down to her buttocks and pulled her into her. She held Drew’s gaze, her hands moving over the top of Drew’s hips and jolting Drew when she slid down the inside of her hip. Faith paused.
Drew stared into Faith’s dark eyes, willing her to move lower, to where she longed to feel the sensual touch.
Faith moved to the outside of Drew’s hip and down the outside of her leg. She slid her hand up the inside of Drew’s leg and paused teasingly. Faith stared at Drew and then her mouth closed in on Drew’s with tenderness as her hand settled between Drew’s legs, and she mumbled inaudibly.
Drew moaned, kissed Faith harder and pulled her closer. Faith pressed her to the shower wall and Drew shuddered as the cool tiles found her hot skin.
Faith stopped kissing, looked at Drew then kissed her again, her hands exploring Drew’s body with greater intensity.
Drew held Faith’s head in her hands, bit down on her lip, teased her with her tongue and as Faith met her touch for touch she felt caressed by Faith in every cell of her tingling body. The sensation left her sapped of strength yet filled with yearning and when Faith stopped kissing her she opened her eyes and stared.
Faith watched Drew in silence and moved away from her. She picked up the soap, washed her own body, her gaze never leaving Drew’s lips, ragged breathing, hazy gaze, and flushed cheeks. She turned off the water, took Drew by the hand, and led her out of the shower. Handing her a towel, taking another for herself, she admired Drew as they dried.
Drew followed Faith to the bed, and before they slid beneath the sheets, Drew had claimed Faith’s mouth, and she was exploring Faith’s nipple with her fingertip.
Faith groaned, conceding willingly to the erotic touch.
*
When Drew blinked opened her eyes, Faith was staring at her.
‘Morning,’ Faith said.
Drew moaned and then a broad smile appeared and she reached up and stroked Faith’s face. ‘Morning,’ she said, her voice groggy from the lack of sleep. She turned onto her side and noticed she ached in places she hadn’t ever before, and then chuckled. ‘Christ, what did you do to me?’
Faith tilted her head. ‘I hope He wasn’t here.’ She smiled, looking around the room, teasingly.
Drew groaned and closed her eyes. ‘Oh my God. That was the best sex I’ve ever had.’
Faith started to chuckle. ‘I think He probably knows.’
When Drew opened her eyes and smiled, she noticed a different intensity to Faith’s gaze. And then Faith leaned towards her and expressed that intensity in a deep, tender kiss that Drew didn’t want to end. And when it did, reality dawned and Drew felt a strong sense of emptiness fill her.
‘How do you feel?’ Faith said, studying Drew with concern.
Drew smiled. ‘Fucking amazing. You?’
Faith wore a tight smile, her dark green eyes searching. ‘A little scared.’
The smile slipped from Drew’s lips and she held Faith’s cheek tenderly in the palm of her hand. ‘About what?’
‘You.’
Drew felt a lead weight drop into her stomach. The fear of not being with Faith was something she didn’t want to consider. ‘I’m good.’ Drew brushed her thumb across Faith’s lips.
Faith’s gaze was unrelenting, and then she smiled. ‘Good.’ She moved closer, pressed a kiss to Drew’s forehead. Looking into Drew’s eyes, her tone gentle, ‘We need to talk,’ she said.
‘Yes.’ Drew paused. ‘But one thing I know is that I want to be with you.’
Faith nodded. ‘Good.’ She eased out of bed and dressed. She opened a drawer and pulled out underwear and a t-shirt. ‘Here,’ she threw the clothing at Drew and smiled. ‘We can grab a quick bite and then get back to the café before nine.’
