Someday I'll Find You Part 14

Rae eased herself into the steamy bubbles and sighed heavily as she put her head back. She closed her eyes, and for a little while, she felt human. She was almost asleep when she heard the bathroom door open.

"Don't get nervous. I'm coming in," Sarah's voice rang out.

"That's fine. I can't move anyway," Rae said dreamily.

Sarah came in with two gla.s.ses of wine. "I know alcohol is not a recommended cure, but in this case, I think you could stand it." She sat on the edge of the tub. "Something about a bubble bath and wine. They go together." She handed her the gla.s.s.

Rae looked up, her eyes still red with tears. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome. Now you have a good soak." She started to get up, and Rae reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Stay and talk to me, please."

Sarah put the lid down on the toilet and sat. Rae chuckled as she put her head back and closed her eyes. "A safe distance, Professor Connelly?"

"Not really, but it'll do, Commander Jefferson." Sarah smiled nervously and took a healthy drink of wine.

Rae set her gla.s.s down, not drinking. "There is so much s.h.i.t in my life. I don't know where to begin. However, when I'm done, if you want to walk away, I will completely understand."

"Why don't you let me worry about that?" Sarah said softly. Rae nodded and began.

"I was in Naval Intelligence for nine of my twelve years in the service," she said, and Sarah's eyes widened as she interrupted her.

"You were a spy?"

Rae lifted her head and looked at her. "Uh, no. No glamour in this story. For the first few years, I was more or less in the 'think tank' part of Intelligence. I a.s.sisted in the planning of many small covert operations, nothing major. As I gained experience, they gave me more in-depth authority. As the years went by, I saw a great deal. I saw men lose their ident.i.ty, their wives. Some of them lost themselves in gambling, women, and drinking. I knew they were trying to purge themselves of what they had seen. However, never knowing the undercover world firsthand, I was only speculating. But we all saw what was happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just as you folks did.

"Then after eight years of hard work behind the scenes, I got my chance. The navy wanted me trained quickly. I trained for a short time at the marine base at Camp Lejeune. That's where I met Sergeant Walchek. We took to each other right away, and he volunteered when he heard about this mission." Rae stopped and took a drink of wine. She looked over at Sarah, who was listening intently and smiled.

"Go on," Sarah urged.

"We were to get an amba.s.sador and his wife out of Damascus, Syria. They were not supposed to be there. We weren't told why, just to get them out quickly. I was to go as a reporter and get close to them. Stay by them until the Navy SEALs got into position. Then we were to get them the h.e.l.l out of there fast from this little coastal village outside of Tartus. I can't tell you who they are or why we needed them out," Rae said. "I'd have to kill you."

She looked at Sarah and laughed at the dumbfounded look. "I'm teasing."

"You big jacka.s.s. What happened to you?" Sarah rolled her eyes as she took a drink from her winegla.s.s.

Rae closed her eyes, feeling the moment of lightheartedness between them dissipate. Her lip quivered; she felt the tears again well in her eyes. When she felt Sarah kiss the top of her head, she opened her eyes. "Why don't you get out of there before you become a prune? Then we'll finish. I'll go make some coffee, decaf if you've got it. You'll sleep tonight if it's the last thing I do."

Rae slipped into her robe. When she walked into the living room, Sarah had the fire blazing.

Sarah came in with coffee and sat on the couch. "Okay. All clean and shiny. Now continue."

Rae rubbed her hands together and paced in front of the fire. She stopped several times, looking back at Sarah, who said nothing, concentrating on her cup of coffee.

"A guerrilla officer found out what we were doing. He found out about me. Everything was going according to plan. I was to stay in Damascus with the amba.s.sador and his wife, then get them to the rendezvous point. Mike was at the end of this village, near the sh.o.r.e. The chopper was to come in at a specified time, and I was to meet them there. I got them almost there. Then this a.s.shole came out of nowhere. I saw him and turned, yelling at the amba.s.sador and his wife to run for the end of the village.

"He grabbed me, and we struggled. Anyway, I was petrified but somehow got my knee in his groin. As he crumbled, I ran to the destination at the end of the village where all h.e.l.l broke loose. I couldn't see the amba.s.sador or his wife at first, then I noticed them huddled in the corner of a building. Mike was behind a car motioning me to stay low. I made my way over to them. She was hysterical." Rae chuckled sadly.

"I was too angry and too d.a.m.ned scared to be hysterical. That came later. Anyway, Mike was close and tossed me a handgun. I had no idea what I was going to do. Then we heard the chopper. I was never so glad to see anything in my life," Rae said. Sarah was riveted to her seat; she seemed shocked and amazed at the story. Rae tried to gauge her mood.

"What happened?" Sarah asked seriously.

"The fricking gunman was on the other side of the building. I saw him, so did Mike. I had a clear shot, I hesitated..." She stopped and swallowed before she continued, "the young SEAL, Higgins, saw the chopper, and in his inexperience, he stood and started for it at the same time I decided to shoot."

She heard Sarah's gasp and stared at the flickering flames and continued. "I shot him," she said in a voice void of emotion. "I shot Chief Petty Officer John M. Higgins of Portland, Oregon. Twenty-three years old. I shot him in the chest and missed the gunman, who had time to heave a grenade in our direction. It went off near me. I didn't know what had happened. But I was still standing, holding my weapon pointed in his direction. I remember Mike yelling at me to get down, but I couldn't. All I saw was Higgins lying there in a pool of blood with an incredulous look on his face as he looked at me, calling my name."

Her voice trailed off as she stared at the fire. "Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw the gunman. My mind went blank. All I can remember is that I fired at him again and again." She laughed rudely. "Of course, I missed him. Mike got him. One shot." She stopped and ran a shaky hand through her hair. Sarah said nothing; Rae watched her, wondering what she was thinking. She thinks I'm insane, that's what.

"Did you get that scar from the grenade?" Sarah asked.

Rae rubbed her eyes and nodded. "Shrapnel. If I didn't have my arm raised, the pieces would have hit my chest instead of my arm. And I wouldn't be standing here like some pathetic loser," she finished angrily. She stopped and turned away from Sarah again to stare at the fire.

Sarah walked over to her and stood behind her, not touching. "Well, that's quite a story. You've been carrying that around for years, not telling anyone?"

"I dream of it every night. I picture that young boy bleeding all over the sand, and I can't get to him. G.o.d help me." She hung her head against the mantel.

Sarah reached out, put her arms around her shoulders, and laid her head against her back. Rae sobbed quietly. "I'm no good for you. Please, go."

"No, I'm afraid it's much too late for that," Sarah whispered as she kissed her shoulder. "Come now, you need to sleep. You're exhausted. This is enough for one night."

Rae turned and looked down into her eyes. "Thank you. I mean that sincerely. It's unbelievably easy to talk to you. I do appreciate it, no matter how this turns out," she said, not looking at her.

Sarah smiled affectionately and pulled her down to her. Rae's arms naturally went around her waist and pulled her close. Sarah put her arm around her shoulder as she started toward the bedroom.

Rae stopped and frowned. "Sarah, I don't want you like this. I mean, I do want you, but I don't. I'm not...You're too..." she stumbled horribly, feeling strangled by her emotions.

Sarah led her down the hall and said nothing as she gently pushed Rae toward the bed. She pulled back the covers, and Rae crawled in. Sarah then pulled the covers up and smoothed back her hair. "Sleep."

"Are you leaving?" Rae asked, almost asleep, but Sarah heard the urgency in her voice.

"No. I'll stay until you fall asleep," she said softly and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Talk to me. Say anything. I just want to hear your voice." Rae yawned and closed her eyes.

Sarah smiled and ran her fingers through Rae's hair. Rae smiled and sighed.

"Okay, you nut..." Sarah whispered.

Rae felt the soothing fingers sift through her hair. She had no idea what poem Sarah was reciting, but her low lilting voice felt like an angel singing.

Her soft voice stopped, and Rae sighed happily. "Did I hear something about daffodils dancing?"

Sarah chuckled quietly. "Yes. Now go to sleep," she urged and continued to caress her forehead.

Rae had no idea how long she slept but woke with a start when she felt the bed move. Her eyes flew open, and she grabbed Sarah's arm.

"It's okay, Rae. It's Sarah," she said quickly.

Rae still held her arm. "Don't leave," she pleaded. "Please stay."

Sarah pulled back the covers and crawled in next to her. Rae sighed dreamily as Sarah put her arm around her and pulled her close to her breast.

Quite naturally, Rae nuzzled into her and put an arm across her chest. Sarah smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead.

"Sleep, Rae," she whispered.

Rae fell asleep with the image of golden daffodils fluttering in the breeze.

Chapter 17.

Rae hugged the soft pillow close to her and opened her eyes. Her eyes widened in surprise to see she was lying on the pillow, and the pillow was Sarah, who quietly snored. Frantically, Rae remembered the night.

She had told Sarah the whole story, and she was still here. Rae smiled and nuzzled closer, completely content to rest her head comfortably on Sarah's soft breast. She sighed and quietly said a prayer of thanks for this woman. No matter how it wound up between them, Sarah Connelly would always be a wonderful friend; Rae knew that in her heart.

Although that was not all she wanted from her. Suddenly, all sorts of mental images raced through her mind as Sarah's b.r.e.a.s.t.s heaved slightly with each peaceful breath she took. Lying on her side, Rae lifted her head and shifted to balance on her elbow so she could watch Sarah sleep.

She looked wonderful. Her soft skin begged to be caressed. Rae noticed Sarah was still in her clothes. Rae smiled as she remembered her crawling in next to her to comfort her. What a woman, Rae thought. Then she frowned, wondering if this was all Sarah wanted from her. Now she felt like a lecherous, aroused woman.

G.o.d, what kind of an idiot am I? Rae thought. She couldn't help but think that Sarah was attracted to her. They'd exchanged wonderful kisses; the last drove Rae wild. She had to leave her house before it went any further. Never had a kiss done that to her. Never had such emotion filled her heart for one woman.

Surely, Sarah felt something, as well. Rae smiled wickedly as she watched Sarah breathing peacefully. Two b.u.t.tons of her blouse were already opened, dangerously exposing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Rae quelled the urge to go exploring. Although she did reach over and cup her breast.

Sarah stirred and sighed, smiling in her sleep. She half turned, and her face was dangerously close to Rae's.

How much can one woman take? Rae thought as the ache between her legs grew with each pa.s.sing moment. She then took the chance and leaned toward her and gently touched her lips to Sarah's.

Still sleeping, Sarah smiled and stirred, letting out another contented sigh. Rae rolled her eyes, stifling a childish giggle, and tried again. This time, she kissed her deeper.

That did it. Sarah's eyes flew open, and she pulled back. Rae was smiling happily. "Good morning."

Sarah blinked a couple of times, completely disoriented. Rae leaned on her elbow and sported a contented grin. Her pulse quickened when Sarah glanced at her open robe.

"Good morning. How did you sleep?" Sarah smiled nervously.

"Like a baby. I don't think I moved all night," Rae said tenderly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Her grin turned to a frown. "Hey, wait a minute. How long have you been awake?"

Rae laughed out loud and put her hand on Sarah's hip and caressed. "Long enough. You lose a couple of points for snoring. Still, it's better than drooling."

Sarah grunted and rubbed her eyes. "Very funny," she grumbled. She reached over and caressed the lapels of her robe, her fingertips daring to brush against her breast. "So I'm glad we talked last night," she said, avoiding her eyes.

"Yes. I am, too." Rae smiled fondly and reached up to play with her auburn hair. "Thank you for staying. It's not easy for me to ask for help."

"You're quite stubborn, but I'm happy I was here for you." She touched her cheek. "So what's your day like?"

Rae noticed the playfully lilting voice and raised an eyebrow. "Now just what did you have in mind?"

Sarah winked, and Rae raised the other eyebrow. Sarah then reached back and picked up the phone and dialed.

"Betty, I know it's early, sorry I woke you. Everything is just fine. Would you have Professor Nelson take my cla.s.ses this morning? Better yet, have him take all my cla.s.ses for the day. Thanks. What? Yes, that's exactly what I plan on doing, dear." She hung up the phone and turned back to Rae, who was smiling happily.

"What did she ask you?" Rae asked curiously.

Sarah put her arm around her waist and pulled her close, their faces inches apart. "She asked if I was going to bed that sullen woman. You heard the answer," she whispered against her lips. "Now kiss me before I jump right out of my skin."

"Yes, Professor," Rae murmured and kissed her deeply.

Sarah sighed as Rae's warm lips parted her own, her tongue playfully exploring Rae's mouth. She then rolled Rae onto her back and gazed into her blue eyes.

"A woman could die happily looking into those eyes." She reached over and untied her robe.

Rae closed her eyes and smiled as she felt Sarah push her robe away from her body and caress her skin.

"G.o.d, Sarah." She moaned and put her hands behind her head. Sarah smiled as she dipped her head, tenderly kissing her breast. Her tongue slowly encircled her aching nipple; she was pleased to see it harden under her caresses.

Sarah's hand wandered over and cupped her other breast, and Rae let out a small gasp as she arched her back slightly. "Good G.o.d, you have the softest touch." Rae's voice trembled, trying to maintain control.

Sarah said nothing as she continued kissing her breast, her tongue now flicking over the hard nipple, eliciting small gasps from Rae. "You are in tremendous shape," Sarah managed to pull her head back and say before continuing.

Rae was beside herself; she could only nod and gasp at the same time. This woman knew how to love, that was certain.

Sarah's hand wandered down to caress Rae's flat stomach, her fingers swirling around her navel, then traveling farther. Rae twitched with antic.i.p.ation as she felt Sarah's fingers glide over her hips and farther still.

Instinctively, Rae parted her legs, welcoming Sarah's caresses. Sarah looked up and smiled as her hand wandered farther. Rae, with eyes closed, bit her bottom lip as she felt Sarah's fingers gently probing. "G.o.d," she exhaled and chuckled. "Don't tease me now."

"Oh, I think you can handle this," Sarah whispered into her ear.

Rae's head was spinning after minutes of heavenly torture. Sarah's gentle probing found its mark, her fingers stroking back and forth until Rae arched her back. She broke out into a sweat as she reached up and grabbed the rungs of her headboard.

"Sarah!" she cried out breathlessly.

Sarah continued, feeling Rae becoming completely aroused as she parted her legs farther. Rae then burst into a glorious o.r.g.a.s.m, her body twitching, unable to control herself. She cried out Sarah's name again and again before slowly descending. Sarah then took her hand away and caressed farther down, her fingers gliding over the moist opening before inserting one finger. Rae let out a cry of pleasure as Sarah thrust deeper. Soon she had Rae crying out, begging her not to stop. Rae took as much of Sarah as she could until Sarah felt the walls within Rae tighten around her hand.

Rae cried out helplessly as her body shook uncontrollably before she came to a thunderous o.r.g.a.s.m again. Sarah continued and slowed her rhythm, controlling Rae's body.

"Amazing." Rae's voice was ragged as she began to feel her body exploding yet again. "No more," she said halfheartedly, and Sarah knew she had a bit more in her.

"Almost," she whispered seductively.