25 comments/ 88528 views/ 10 favorites A Temptation to Substitute By: fazza91 Snapping out of it, the slender young artist suddenly became aware of her image in the bathroom mirror. Ready for her shower, she must have been standing there naked for ages in the early morning chill lost in her thoughts. The interruption had been that ominous tingling that warned Amelia that what she had nicknamed her affliction was about to flare up. Even alone, she felt embarrassed. Yet she was unable to tear her eyes away this time as the dreaded spectacle unfolded. At its peak she winced and turned away, reminding herself how much it ruined the look of her well-shaped chest. Although she had been careful to hide it in its worst moments, she knew Rob had spotted it a few times in their four years together. Thankfully although he had stared, he had never made any adverse comment. The thoughts she had been lost in had been about Rob. It was only a few weeks ago that he had come back to her after four months of separation. And only two days since they had bought the brand new king-size bed that she had seen and fallen in love with. When it was delivered that afternoon, they had taken their time tenderly making love on it. When she had felt his warm fluids finally spurting into her, she had never felt more in love. But Rob had left her yet again just yesterday. This was his third Navy tour of duty overseas in under three years and would last at least five months. As she had helped him pack yet again, the salty tears had flooded down her cheeks making her pretty face a blotchy mess. Standing beside her, Rob had tried to cheer her up by half-joking that her creative time would be freed up with him out of the way. When he saw this didn't help, he reminded her that they would be in regular touch. But she knew the brief calls, letters, emails and occasional gifts wouldn't compensate her for not having him around for such a long period. Before his last stint overseas, he had decided the problem was just that she lacked company. His solution had been to put her in touch with a group of Navy women who got together socially while their husbands were away. She dutifully turned up a few times before finding out that all their occasions were the same - weekend afternoons at someone's house, warmed-up finger food, cheap beer, cask wine, and bawling babies. Worse, their conversations never strayed from the Navy, their menfolk or kids. Amelia quietly gave up and refusing all invitations, sank her social time back into her art. She relived yesterday's sombre walk down the wharf, her face buried into the shoulder of his uniform. She had only lifted it when he took her chin for that last goodbye kiss before he strode up the gangplank. Feeling abandoned, she had stood there waving despite a constant blur of tears. Her battle to cope with the 'feast or famine' aspect that came with Navy husbands had been lost before his ship was out of sight. An hour later, alone in her car at the pier, Amelia had felt the void close in with its vast all-consuming silence. She'd had to sit there for ages, dabbing tissues around her red eyes until she had recovered enough to drive home. Thankfully the random outbursts of tears had dried up overnight. She better have that quick shower before more time slipped away. Drying and throwing on some old overalls, she started to bury herself in her painting. Taking a break around noon, she nursed a coffee before suddenly remembering a promise to go next door for a few hours and help Julie set up for her party tonight. Talking with her best friend would help take her mind off things for a while. But she really wished she hadn't accepted her invitation three months ago not knowing Rob wouldn't be there to accompany her. Then again, she really didn't want to be alone in the house tonight either. She fought the niggling thoughts that insisted Rob should be around more, like normal husbands. That night, to hide the girlishness of her figure, she threw on a loose pale yellow T-shirt top and slid an off-white mini skirt on under it. She was pleased with the look of her long bare legs in the mirror, and put the stockings back in the drawer. Leaning to the side, she aimed the hand dryer at those last damp patches in her light brown hair before running a final brush through it. Standing up straight, she used her hands to finish arranging it around her shoulders. Now, which sandals should she wear? Cradling a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, she nervously set off on the short walk next door to Julie's. It was still just after eight, but the summer sky was still light. Somewhat shy by nature, she hoped she would meet some extroverted souls early on. From past experience, she knew that could provide the boost needed to become more confident and outgoing. It was such a relief when Julie was there at the door to greet her. Behind her rang the uneven din coming from groups of people spread throughout her large house. A lot of the early evening was spent mingling with Julie at her side, meeting her friends and guests and listening to group chatter. Amelia soon felt at ease. She surprised herself when catering duties began to call Julie away by mingling alone among the small groups. She soon found she liked Julie's acquaintances. Male and female alike, they were the type of creative and articulate individuals she wanted to find out more about. They were totally opposite to the Navy set; sensitive, unorthodox, opinionated and yet informal, yet openly warm. In one group, she found herself drawn into a discussion between some actors about the importance of enjoying or avoiding solitude. To her surprise, she found herself caught up as a regular and fluent contributor after being challenged for her initial thoughts, calling on her current and past experiences. She felt pleased when the others around not only listened to her, but built their own ideas on her insights. It was just after ten. Amelia needed a drink and withdrew from socialising to catch her breath. She found an ideal spot to sit down on an empty two-seater couch in the corner of the living room. This was her first time alone, and she felt pleased that it had nothing to do with feeling left out. She had only just put her glass to her lips and taken her first sip when Laura walked over, sat down beside her and re-introduced herself. Amelia had met the leggy model earlier in the night, and they had exchanged smiles across various circles since. She was struck by how beautiful Laura was. A little taller than her, the slender, tanned young woman had loose strands of chin-length honey brown hair that framed her high cheekbones. Khaki shorts highlighted a narrow waist. But it was her top that kept catching Amelia's attention. Or more precisely, the perfectly pointed breasts she could clearly see through the sheer grey material. Each time she had spotted Laura earlier in the night, Amelia found herself trying to fathom how anyone could choose a top which blatantly displayed her nipples in public. But she was astute enough to notice everybody else there except her was quite blasé about it. The young artist decided to just ignore the top as she half-turned to Laura. Keeping her gaze above Laura's shoulders, she looked into her glowing coffee-syrup eyes only to get totally lost in them. She surprised herself with the first words that finally stumbled from her lips. "Your top is lovely. But I couldn't wear it. I'm not that bold." Laura looked down her front in surprise, then slowly back at Amelia. "Bold?" Laura responded, eyebrows rising. "Trust me, once you get to know this crowd as well as I do, you'll realise it would be very hard to shock them let alone with this." The dark brown eyes looked into Amelia's, her head curiously tilting on a slight angle. "But let's look further at that assertion that you couldn't wear it! Given my field of work, I think I may be a better judge than you about that. Let me get a better look." Laura lowered her glass to the floor and angling her own body towards Amelia, ran an astute eye up and down her. "You're reasonably tall, have a beautiful face, lovely hair and eyes, nice shapely legs, and a perfect figure," she slowly listed approvingly. "You even look about my size across the bust." She put a reassuring hand on Amelia's knee as she leaned and delivered her verdict. "I've no doubt you would carry this top off superbly." Amelia heard, bashfully lowering her gaze although pleased with the flattering assessment. She even imagined herself in the top for one daring instant. But she came back to earth as she reminded herself that an outbreak of her affliction would ruin the whole effect. "I'm still not convinced. I'd be too aware I had it on," she stammered. "Can I let you into a secret?" Laura advanced. "I shouldn't say this, being in the fashion industry. But once you put on anything, you usually forget what you're wearing pretty quickly unless someone comments on it. For example you chose that striking T-shirt carefully tonight for effect but honestly, how often have you been aware of it until now?" "I haven't given it any thought at all now that you mention it," Amelia admitted, looking down. "My point is that if we were to exchange tops right here and now, you would again not be the slightest bit aware that you were wearing this in ten minutes' time?" Laura argued. "In this company especially," came the late addition, her hand gesturing to those around. "I'm sure you're probably right," Amelia conceded. "Good, then. We agree. So let's swap for twenty minutes or so and see. Take your bra off as we change over," Laura advised, leaning back and pulling the sheer blouse out of her shorts. "What! Wait! Here? Now? Good God, no, I mean, I just couldn't," Amelia stammered as she grabbed Laura's closer arm, looking about as she blushed profusely. Laura's look of surprise slowly morphed to an impish smile, then to Amelia's relief a wink as the model started tucking her sheer top back in. Amelia was absolutely scarlet but relieved it was just a joke. Laura obviously had a wicked sense of humour. "Have you known Julie for very long?" she managed, buying time to compose herself. "Oh yes. We're long-standing friends since our teens and have kept in regular touch ever since," Laura answered. "I get sick of being alone in hotel rooms and eating in restaurants by myself. I've promised Julie many times in the past to stay here when I'm in this city. It's so lovely, handy to shops and cafes, and two houses away from the beach." "So you're staying here tonight?" Amelia asked. "If the only problem was that Julie is heading off to on her overseas holiday tomorrow, I would have," Laura answered. "And this party may get noisy and go on until late. No, I'm heading off to Fiji for a shoot early tomorrow morning. I've had to reluctantly book into a city hotel this time around to ensure I get the sleep I need. I'm only staying until eleven." Amelia already had a good instinct about Laura and she impulsively blurted out an offer. "Well, since you like this area so much, while Julie's away you can always come to my place. I'm next door, right next to the beach. In fact my back gate leads out onto it," Amelia suggested. "I'm quite serious. I'll give you my number later." "Honestly, you have no idea how nice that offer sounds Amelia, especially compared to being alone for days in a huge hotel suite with absolutely nobody to relate to," Laura started. "I may just take you up on that offer one day." "Good. Make sure you do!" Amelia reinforced. In the conversation that followed, Amelia found herself becoming more and more intrigued at just how alive her new companion was. She just seemed to radiate energy through her eyes, her facial expressions and her hand movements. She could easily see how men could worship her. As she was having that thought, Amelia suddenly realised Laura was looking all over her in a peculiar way. She stopped when she became aware of Amelia's questioning eyes. "Sorry. In my line of work, I usually know the answer to this and not have to be impolite by actually asking," she began. "Asking what?" Amelia enquired. "You seem absolutely flawless," was the playful reply. "Is there any part of your body that's not?" Lowering her head, Amelia felt herself reddening for the second time in minutes. "Ah ha! So! There is a weakness!" Laura pounced. "God, you're nearly crimson! It must be well hidden away then." She leaned in to the young artist. "Want to see my oddity?" "Not if it's too personal or embarrassing to you," Amelia replied. "After all this time, it's not," Laura shrugged. "You have to move your face closer to mine though to get the full effect. Even closer. Don't be shy. Now, watch my face." Only centimetres separated them. There was no sign of anything amiss around the intense almond eyes, nor anywhere on the beautiful smooth skin. She was just looking down around the full mouth when Laura's tongue shyly began to protrude. "That's it?" Amelia responded, almost in disappointment. "Can you touch the tip of your nose with your tongue?" challenged Laura. "No. And I've only ever seen a few others who can. Show me," Amelia dared. "Stay right where you are," Laura instructed. Amelia watched dutifully as Laura turned her face side-on. A longer length of tongue slowly re-appeared and began a series of almost wave-like movements. Then it curled upwards and easily touched the tip of Laura's nose. Amelia was fascinated. It was so long and almost seemed to have a life of its own. Laura turned her face to Amelia's, just two centimetres away. The thick moist flesh moved across and touched the tip of her nose. Giggling with surprise, Amelia stayed still, fascinated as even more protruded and it playfully swiped her cheek. When it started to lightly lick her chin, it made her titter again. Laura eased it back. Amelia sat back, amazed at the controlled pressure in its touches. "That was awesome," Amelia exclaimed. "Was it all out in the end?" "Not all, no. And you're not put you off by it one little bit, are you?" Laura observed "You even seemed to be enjoying my little oddity. I guess we all have to have one. Perhaps once we get to know one another better, you'll show me yours." My God, no way, Amelia briefly thought, offering only a bashful smile. The warm conversation continued to flow and Amelia started to feel flattered by the genuinely warm attention Laura gave her. If they shared a laugh or a mutually pleasant thought, Laura would lean forward and lightly touch her forearm or leg. She too found herself doing the same as she hung off every word Laura said. In a lull while Laura refreshed both their drinks, she reflected that it had just been over a day since Rob had left. Her self confidence had grown steadily with Laura and she became more and more fluent as they compared views and observations across a range of topics. Amelia welcomed Laura's gentle probing asking her about her likes and dislikes, constantly surprised when Laura expanded on her own that they shared so much in common. Their conversation ran smoothly until she asked Laura what she was least keen about in her profession. "Mainly the drain and the solitude of constantly travelling around," came the sober revelation. "Being single and alone is starting to get to me. Honestly Amelia, count your blessings being married. You wouldn't have to face being lonely very much I imagine." This struck a deep nerve, and Amelia was not able to fully evade it. She started well enough by admitting she did have some idea of Laura's plight, going on to explain Rob's career, his three long absences and how she had increasing trouble coping each time. Then tears started welling and Amelia had to stop in mid-sentence. She was unearthing too much pain to go on, and took advantage of the offered arms, thankful for the warmth and closeness before dabbing an offered napkin to her eyes and leaning back. Sensitive to the fact that this had become too delicate a topic to persist, Laura decided to lighten things up. Tossing her hair behind her shoulders and sticking her chest out, her hands did a game-show flourish around it. "So honey, you haven't actually said whether you like the boobs or not?" she asked in a mock American drawl, ending with a cheesy grin. Caught by surprise, Amelia snickered, relishing the relief and instantly starting to cheer up. She glanced at them briefly. "I'm not sure how to answer that and any attempt by me to put on an accent would be abysmal. Let me just say they look perfect." Laura leaned forward confidentially. "Thanks. But I have to be honest." She playfully looked about as though about to divulge a State secret. "They've been surgically enhanced!" "Really?" the artist responded, curious. "What did you get done?" "Nothing major. Just a tiny bit of reduction, with some shaping and symmetry work last year. Plus some proactive anti-gravity work. Believe it or not Amelia, it was claimable as a work-related expense on my tax," she confided in a self-mocking tone. Amelia laughed again. "You look too young for cosmetic surgery. Aren't we about the same age, Laura? I'm twenty eight." "Twenty eight? I thought you were six years younger. Well, thanks for your compliment, but I'm thirty two," answered Laura. "I'm one of the few people in modelling you'll ever meet who admits to being over thirty. Tell me, out of interest, would you ever see yourself getting plastic surgery on your boobs later on?" "Probably not," Amelia said, then laughed and added. "It's not claimable as a tax expense for artists as far as I know. Yours are a nice size and very shapely though, Laura. Were there any scars?" "No permanent ones," was the reply. "Do they feel any different?" Amelia asked. "You be the judge," was the offhand reply from Laura, turning slightly side-on. Laura took Amelia's left wrist with one hand and moulded her palm onto the thin material over the woman's right breast. Amelia realised the imprint in her palm must be the slightly raised nipple. The thought that this was surely a highly abnormal act between two women in public crossed her mind. But a glance into Laura's lowered eyes showed no deviant intent. She looked about. Quite a few people were in their line of sight, but hardly anyone seemed interested in them, let alone shocked or offended. Laura was right, she thought. This crowd is quite casual about a lot of behaviour that Navy folk would gape open-mouthed at. "So, be honest. Does it feel natural?" she heard Laura ask. The guiding hands trustingly rose, isolating Amelia's palm. After a few seconds, the artist let it timidly move on the breast surface then became bold enough to let it explore, careful though to avoid the aureole area. After what she deemed a polite amount of time, Amelia casually withdrew her hand to her lap as the other one swung her wine glass round to her lips. "I'm hardly an expert, but it does feel natural, yes. I've only my own to judge by though," she said apologetically taking a sip. "That's an interesting point. I wonder if yours would feel the same to me." She was too distracted emptying her glass to fully appreciate the full meaning of Laura's response until it was too late. Frozen, she felt the hand that had nonchalantly slid under her loose T-shirt firmly cover her left bra cup. She decided to swallow her initial objection, not wanting to seem prudish or to draw unnecessary attention. "What on earth made you put such a thick bra on?" she heard Laura's soft chiding. "I can't tell a thing through this. But it's a front opener. Let's remedy this." Amelia was totally stunned, looking down past her empty wine glass as it hovered aimlessly. She was unprepared when Laura's expert hand found the centre of her bra and with one quick tweak she felt the tell-tale sudden sense of release. A Temptation to Substitute Nervous swallowing started when the hand wormed its way under the loosened cup and casually gathering up her startled breast. She soon became aware of a surreal sensation: the feel of her own heartbeat thumping away nervously against the warm skin of Laura's palm. Amelia's eyes dashed around the room again. Good. Her T-shirt was concealing most of what was going on underneath. The best course of action would be to stay calm and get this over with. To her horror though, she spotted Julie coming over towards them, wine bottle in each hand. Laura looked up too. But the only change in the model's demeanour was to offer up a warm smile as Julie stood over them. Amelia began to panic inside. What on earth would her best friend deduce from what she could readily see? "Getting acquainted, you two?" though was all she heard Julie ask breezily. In fact, her way of solving what she saw as Amelia's main problem was to fill up her waving wine glass. "We're in the middle of comparing boobs," Laura explained in a rather matter-of-fact tone. Amelia felt the invading hand retreating. Her initial relief however was short-lived. A quick brush and it had her bra cup right off, loosely cupping her breast again. All Amelia could do was to sit there in a state of disbelief, looking up at Julie with wide appealing eyes for help, struck dumb, unsure how to act. She felt sure Julie could tell from the T-shirt movements what was happening. But the expression on her friend's face did not suggest she thought she was watching anything particularly unusual. There was no reaction even when Laura's hand began its gentle clenching action, the model nonchalantly keeping her gaze upon Julie throughout enquiring how the rest of the party was going. Amelia tried to just sit there quietly and keep her composure. This included trying to actively repress the feelings being generated by the sensual contact as Julie informed them she would be putting on some dancing music in the front room. Amelia was even able to smile and nod her assent knowing that trying to utter one word would give away how affected she was. With a parting smile, Julie floated off to nearby groups to top up their drinks. Still wanting to appear unruffled to those about, all a helpless Amelia could do was to sit still and watch her friend disappearing behind a group of guests in the neighbouring room. Now Amelia realised that Laura's hand was pulling back, but only to slide her thumb and soft fingertips out along the curve. She felt her nipple stirring, anticipating direct contact. Fearfully, she looked at the eyes opposite intensely guiding the hidden hand. They flicked up into Amelia's, signalling downwards, hinting at hers to follow. The instant she did though, all of the recent sensations that had been building up from minutes of slow stimulation burst and rushed into her mind. Her willingness to interrupt or offer any real resistance plunged to zero. Her lips parted and her eyes began to close. Swallowing furiously in the welcome darkness, she quietly surrendered and began secretly enjoying the sensuous exchange going on between the sensitive peak of her breast and the teasing fingertips, creating volatile surges in her lower belly. She had forgotten her impediment altogether until the exploring fingers suddenly paused. "What's this?" she heard Laura ask herself in a very low, curious voice. Amelia had got the familiar tell-tale warning earlier but had decided to ignore them and let these glorious stirrings go on. "My God, Amelia!" Laura quietly added, leaning slightly forward. A thumb brushed the surface of her impediment as she continued "I can feel it still growing." "I guess that's what I'd describe as my oddity," was all Amelia could murmur. "You call this an oddity?" murmured a disbelieving Laura as a finger and thumb took it. "No, this is what anyone would call amazing, unbelievably sexy." Amelia heard her almost envious tone in utter disbelief. She opened her eyes and was staggered by the look of wonder flowing into her eyes from Laura's beautiful face. "You lucky thing! I bet all the guys just drool when you get like this," Laura purred as she kept caressing. "And how jealous their girlfriends would be." Amelia stayed still, eyes open now and rejoicing. The subtle finger-stroking was keeping her squat aroused nipple at its almost two centimetre maximum. Inside, she was overcome, so grateful to hear Laura describing her discovery with genuine admiration. Her eyes widened when Laura's fingers stopped and moved sideways. Taking hold of her upper arm through the loose sleeve of her T-shirt, they began gently ushering Amelia's elbow up from inside. Unsure what the intent could be, Amelia trustingly assisted. Soon the whole slender arm had been guided through and guided down to the bottom of her T-shirt. The reason for all this only dawned when Laura's hand emerged and grabbing the side of her T-shirt, rode it up the outside of her arm. Once it was over Amelia's shoulder, it was released there and the loose bra cup fell away. The whole left side above Amelia's slim waist was now bare. Amelia's free arm started to rise in a late effort to make herself more modest. "Please don't," Laura almost begged, softly catching the wrist firmly for an instant on its way up but immediately letting go. Amelia looked in confusion back into Laura's glowing eyes. She watched them take on an adoring look as they lowered to the thick brown-red gland thrusting outwards and slightly upwards like a small accusing finger. Amelia's hand wavered in its mission to cover herself. Then submissively it lowered to her side. "My God, just look at that," Laura purred appreciatively, in such a reverent tone that all Amelia could do was to obey. "What an unbelievably beautiful sight!" Amelia looked down in time to see Laura's finger and thumb closing in pincer-like from opposite sides at the base of the thick jutting flesh. In unison, barely touching its surface, they began a series of slow deliberate outward caresses. Amelia heard the long, almost inaudible sigh of delight escape from the back of her mouth. She held her breath as a sudden rush of heat filled her head, and let her eyes quietly close again. There, she became entirely focused on the delicious cocktail of erotic impulses surging back into her body from the expert stimulation. She had always loved any part of her body being stroked, but this was just so new and slow and sensual. The inside and top of her mouth started to tingle. She started swallowing continuously and clenched her thighs, secretly thrilling at the exquisite moisture building up between them. A soft feminine hand gently tilted her erect nipple slightly upwards and she could sense the lovely mouth lowering. Holding her breath, Amelia steeled herself, a raw groan starting to build at the back of her throat. They both jolted apart at the crash. Someone had dropped a glass, smashing it. A man's surprised swearing broke the spell. Amelia's eyes had sprung wide open, as though rudely disturbed mid-dream. Across from her, Laura was sitting up. Amelia began hurriedly easing her arm up and back into its sleeve. By contrast, Laura started calmly re-gathering and fastening the bra. Amelia took her lead and unhurriedly lowered the T-shirt, as she began checking whether anyone had seen what had just occurred. Quite a few had been obviously watching. Indeed they still were. But their faces showed expressions of light fascination or friendly interest. There was no sign of any disgust or excessive voyeurism to be seen. She mentally raised her eyebrows in disbelief. The only person with any real potential to be greatly offended or shocked by what's just happened here is you, she thought. She was surprised when no pangs of guilt appeared. Quite calmly, she knew she could have resisted this more, especially in the early stages. And she was in control of the hand that had withdrawn and left her bare breast so vulnerable. God, would the stiffness and the tingling in her denied nipple never die down? And what would Rob have made of this? He would have been disturbed if he had come across Amelia with her hand on Laura's breast in the early stages. Having been told the context, she knew he might have understood later. He may even have accepted that his young wife might have felt obligated to allow her breast to be felt up in return. But she knew he would have suggested that, innocent girl-thing and all that this was, it should have taken place in a much more private place. But he certainly would have been stunned at her offering so little resistance as she was rendered bare-breasted in full public view at a party! His modest young wife, who wouldn't go topless on a deserted beach in case someone could see her? His shy Amelia, eyes closed and lips curling, letting a beautiful woman play with her aroused nipple let alone with strangers around? And seemingly willing to venture on to an even more daring level of exhibitionism. But before she had much more of a chance to dwell on these thoughts, Laura had grabbed her hand. She allowed herself to be yanked up off the lounge. "Enough tit play," she heard Laura announce dismissively. "There's good music on. Let's dance." She was dragged out of both the room and her thoughts at the same time. In seconds, they were in the middle of a cavorting crowd two rooms away. Laura turned about and faced her, and began lithely moving about in time to the energetic music. As she started to dance, Amelia's arousal level began to come down a bit. They shared an occasional period of eye contact during a couple of rock and roll numbers. Each time Laura looked away, Amelia admired the beauty of her dancing partner. If caught, she found herself shyly smiling. As she watched Laura's breasts bob about rhythmically, she marvelled at how easy it had been for the model to get her to overcome her inhibitions just minutes ago. Inwardly reflecting, Amelia began to feel at one with this group. Laura and Julie included, they all given her a healthier outlook on what constituted abnormal or unseemly behaviour than the one she brought to the party. When a slow number began. Laura held her hands out. Glancing about, Amelia noticed they were surrounded by all sorts of unconventional couples moving closer together. She slid forward, letting Laura's arms position their bodies so they just touched. The two began slowly waltzing on the spot nose against nose in affectionate unison. Towards the end of the number, she leaned back and smiled up warmly into Laura's eyes, a new-found sense of closeness and peace all over her face, appreciating the caring look radiating back. God, she is so beautiful Amelia couldn't help but think over and over, returning a smile to Laura's loving eyes. The song came to an end. They stood body to body, eyes closed now, foreheads meaningfully together. Another slow ballad started. Amelia didn't hesitate, nuzzling into the side of Laura's neck and taking in her subtle perfume. One of the model's arms brought her body closer, and loving fingers started stroking Amelia's hair and the side of her face. "So lovely, so beautiful, so sexy," Amelia heard the tender complimenting whispers over and over again. She felt so serene, so loved. She moved her face out and mouthed a grateful 'Thank you', leaving her rapturous face upturned as one tender kiss after another began softly raining all over it. A nearly delirious Amelia closed her eyes when the parted lips brushed hers invitingly. As she responded eagerly, the tip of the incredible tongue warily crept into her mouth. Amelia opened her mouth slightly wider and ran the tip of her own tongue along its underside. The kissing began to intensify and a little more moist tongue entered and began systematically exploring her mouth, making its whole roof tingle. Amelia found herself floating, awed at the sensuous effect from what tongue she knew had been fed in, and knowing a lot more was probably being just as skilfully withheld. The song was finishing. Amelia had long abandoned any fantasy that she was in Rob's arms. She sensually ended the kiss by encircling Laura's tongue tightly with her lips and sucking back along it as their mouths moved apart. Both sets of eyes opened towards the end. For the first time she noticed she had a firm hold of Laura's breast through the silky top. The music had come to the end for the moment. They both stood there, close. Laura nibbled her ear, making goosebumps rise on her inner thighs, before whispering that it was just past eleven and that she had to go. A disappointed Amelia inched back. Tenderly prising Amelia's hand from her breast, Laura used it to tow her to the front bedroom. Others were there, gathering their things too. Putting a soft brown leather jacket on, she walked out hand in hand with Amelia to the waiting taxi. There, the two women entered each other's numbers in their phones and promised to call soon. They enjoyed one more light kiss and a parting hand squeeze. Then Laura was off into the night, waving and blowing kisses through the lighted back window. With a spring in her step, Amelia returned inside. On finding Julie, she spent the rest of the night at her friend's side chatting to the ever-dwindling array of guests for the last hour. She wondered if anyone could tell each time her loins randomly tingled as flashes of the petting and kissing crept back into her mind. When the last guests were wandering away from Julie's doorway, she helped Julie break the back of the tidying up. They sat down for one last glass of champagne. "So," Julie began with a grin. "What's your impression of Laura?" "She's stunningly beautiful, isn't she? And so interesting and personable. She was just the greatest company," Amelia enthused. "Company? You two looked like you needed a private room from what I saw of you," Julie scoffed, an amused look on her face. Amelia felt herself starting to blush deeply, concerned at the impression that she, as a supposedly happily married woman, must have made on her best friend. "Look I'm joking, but only in part," Julie continued, noting Amelia's discomfort. "Don't you remember telling me recently you were missing the sheer joy of being slowly aroused. Can I therefore, as your best friend, make a controversial admission?" "Of course," Amelia replied without hesitation. "I left you with Laura knowing full well what she may be getting up to," Julie ventured. "But I sensed a slight chemistry growing. Besides, you're an adult. And just between you and me, one or two past girls bedded by her have told me in confidence that she really knows how to play a woman's body." "I can confirm that," a blushing Amelia admitted. "So Laura is ... a lesbian?" "I prefer to call her my friend," Julie answered. "Look, I love her like a sister. But yes, she's only into women. It's been ages since she's had a nice steady relationship. Is she's physically interested in you? From what I saw, probably. If so, she'll get in touch if I know her. Provided you two don't get too emotionally involved, maybe you could be good for each other. But remember, in the end, it's got to be what you yourself want, Amelia. Rock your inhibitions a little, sure, but be sure to keep asking away in the back of your mind whether your long-term future with Rob is in danger. Enough said?" "You never thought to interrupt us once," a curious Amelia asked. "Look, we're best friends and normally you know I'd always look out for you," Julie went on. "But tonight, I noticed you initially hesitate then allow yourself to be skilfully guided into enjoying a nice safe level of sexual stimulation. So, ask yourself this honestly. Aren't you glad you were taken there? Personally, I think you'll need more times like that to make it through the next five months." "But what about Rob?" pleaded Amelia. "He's my husband and I do love him." "I have never doubted at any time tonight that you do," Julie countered. "What's your point?" "Surely I can curb my appetites better," Amelia suggested. "It's been hardly two days since he's gone and I'm already so desperate for affection that I've allowed myself to be stripped half-naked in public and felt up? By a woman?" "You have to stop thinking of yourself as just a normal woman, like an auditor or an ordinary shop assistant," Julie thoughtfully responded. "What do you mean by that?" a thoughtful Amelia shot back. "You're like almost everyone else here tonight. You naturally have a different mindset altogether from the majority of non-creative people," Julie explained. "But Julie, does that justify what I let happen?" Amelia persisted. "Amelia, listen. Tonight, you simply took advantage of a unique set of circumstances. Your creative side pushed aside a few of your past inhibitions. It allowed your senses to be explored in what I imagine was a highly sensual but, when you think about it, a very safe experience for you," Julie offered. "It got a bit too intimate though, surely. Wasn't I betraying Rob?" asked Amelia. "Well, the two of us went out together last week, had a good meal, enjoyed a great film then spent most of a night sharing some very personal thoughts, didn't we?" Julie pointed out. "That was very intimate too. Did we betray Rob then?" "No," Amelia said, thoughtfully. "But that was more on a mental level. She reflected a little, then asked: "Physically, at what point do I become unfaithful then?" "I remember you saying that very night we stayed up that he'd be devastated if you were ever intimate with another man," she hinted, looking into Amelia's troubled face. "Look, the facts seem to be these. Rob's away, and not back for five months. You're realising you have powerfully strong physical and emotional needs that are not being met. Feed them a little, satisfy them somehow, or you may well wilt while he's away. And that could be when you do end up betraying Rob with some fellow, and lose him altogether." Amelia left soon after with Julie's advice echoing in her ears. She had just got inside her bedroom door and thrown off the last of her clothes when she stopped and switched the mobile phone on. She was thinking about texting Laura a quick thank you message when the beeping started. Was it Rob? Heart in mouth, she clicked onto the message. "Hi. Ring me tonight? I'd love to hear from you, whatever the hour." Laura! Amelia remembered what Julie had said. She thought about it a little. There was no harm in just calling her back surely, but her fingers were shaking. She was reaching for her nightie under the pillow as she heard an excited hi after one ring. "Hi, Laura. It was really great of you to call," an excited Amelia exclaimed, laying her nightie over her lap. "You're still awake too?" "I sure am. When I got back to the Grand Hotel, there was a message saying that my shoot has been postponed for days due to a bad storm. After a few calls, I find I'm to hang around here at least another four days until they find another location," sighed Laura. "So I'm here on this bed in my robe, recalling a wonderful time I had just a few hours ago." "The Grand Hotel?" Amelia sighed. "I'm so envious of you staying there. Rob and I treated ourselves to one night at a five star hotel once. But we were on a budget and probably stayed in a much smaller room than yours." There was a long pause. "Amelia, can I make a suggestion?" Laura began, breaking the deadlock. "We're both alone right here and now due to things beyond the control of either of us. What say we make the best of our overall situation and treat ourselves? Why don't you pack some things while I buzz reception to send a cab to your place from the hotel? Come and stay with me here for the next two days." A Temptation to Substitute "Have you got the room there for me?" asked Amelia. "There's tons of room. My suite has a separate bedroom," Laura assured her. "Heaven knows I could do with the company," Amelia admitted with a sigh. "Me too," Laura agreed. "Come and spend two days here. Then what say I take you at your word and come and spend the next two days at your place. Deal?" "Deal? Share a five star hotel suite with you for two days? I don't even have to think about that offer. You're not kidding me, are you? And it would be great to have you stay back here," she confirmed, her mind racing. "The beach is just lovely at this time of year and we'd almost have it all to ourselves. I'll just go and pack a bag and ring you back in ten minutes." When she did ring, Laura's news was that a cab should be at her place within minutes. Amelia hastily looked about for a T-shirt and track suit pants. She had to rush. She could do without wearing a bra given the hour. Throwing on a tight pale blue T-shirt, she began throwing clothes into her case. "I think I've packed enough," an excited Amelia commentated. "Two whole days in the city together! What will we do? Be tourists? Go to a play? A movie? Do some shopping?" "Whoa. Let's just think about bed for the rest of tonight and possibly well into the morning. When we eventually surface for breakfast tomorrow, let's plan some things then," Laura recommended. "I'm think I'm too excited to go straight off to sleep," Amelia exclaimed. "Me too. I might know a way to pass the time if you fancy being spoiled," Laura quietly offered. "I'm being spoiled just being there with you. Hang on. The taxi's pulling up as I speak. I've finishing packing already," Amelia said, adding, "I'm leaving. Just locking up. Wow! This will be great. We're off! What will it take to get there? Ten minutes?" "Fifteen at most," Laura chortled, a hint of excitement in her voice now. "I can't believe it. I'm actually on my way. Now, where were we? Oh yes. I remember. What was that bit about spoiling me?" Amelia teasingly asked. "Well," Laura hesitated. "Just some personal skills I haven't practised for some time. It basically involves you taking your clothes off, lying still and relaxing, and just enjoying the feelings as I take my time slowly going to work on your body." "Mmm, sounds like I'm in for a massage? If you feel you absolutely have to give one to somebody, I'll be a brave girl and volunteer," Amelia murmured. "Amelia, can I ask for an ultra honest answer to this?" Laura queried. "Do you regret anything, anything at all that we did at the party earlier?" There was no hesitation at all from Amelia. "No. Nothing troubled my conscience there, and nothing has since," she answered. She thought for an instant. "And I don't expect any aspect to cause me any worry in the future either," she added on reflection. A sigh of content followed. "It was all so nice and a little bit unbelievable, wasn't it?" "It was utterly magnificent. You made that party fantastic for me," Laura paused, then changed to a considered tone. "When you get here, we probably still won't feel like sleeping straight away. How about we go down to the nightclub here and dance? We can unwind for an hour or two. When we come back, I'll redeem my offer to spoil you then. Okay?" "Sure," Amelia replied. "Dancing it is!" "Fine. But if there's a slow song and the mood is right, we would be crazy if we didn't try to re-create that incredible kissing session all over again," Laura added. There was a pause. Amelia became aware of an anxious thrill rising inside her. "Amelia, what's the most intimate thing you've ever done with another female?" Laura quietly probed after the brief silence. "You already know. You were with me at the time," the quiet wary murmur came back. "Look, it may well be that the kiss doesn't happen and that's okay. But if it does and if it's as good as the one at the party, let's seize the moment and head straight back to our suite," Laura suggested, then continued. "Then you'll learn exactly what I mean when I say I intend spoiling you. To be fair though, perhaps you should have a preview." There was a pause at Amelia's end, but no answer. "I would start gradually by easing our clothes off between long, long kisses," Laura ventured. "Then you'd have to stand completely still before me while I spend ages stroking your soft hair, that beautiful face, your arms. During that I'll probably start kissing your neck and shoulders. I'm dying to lay you on my bed and take my time teasing those amazing nipples. After that, I'll probably slowly head south. Having already got familiar with my tongue, just imagine what you might be feeling when it's slowly inching its way into you. I'd really like to take some time and let it explore deep inside that delicious body of yours before using it to best effect on your clit. Then after a few such hours devoted to pleasuring you, I just want to sleep spooned into your body knowing I'd given you as many orgasms as you could bear." Amelia lowered her phone just slightly from her ear, leant against the rear door of the taxi and closed her eyes. She was shocked and dazed from what had just been said. She went off into a daydream, imagining herself nude and lain out. She could feel Laura's hair brushing between her slightly parted thighs and the tip of that formidable tongue dabbing, searching the folds for her opening. Rather than resisting, she saw herself arching her slender hips slightly to assist to caterpillar its way in. She started to fantasise what it would feel like gradually sliding along, wriggling its way into her. Would she feel it flickering deep between her hips creating the same thrilling sensations as it did in her mouth during those party kisses? Still in her half-dream, her hands cruelly seized Laura's hair and pulled to force the insanely delicious swirling even deeper into her. The image was so vivid in fact that she saw her gold wedding band flash on her left hand. The sobering ending instantly changed her daydreams. God! Rob. Her husband. She now saw herself greeting him as he came off his ship five months from now, and imagined herself warmly kissing and welcoming him back in good conscience. She could picture Rob and her arriving back home, smiling hugely, swinging hands parting as they raced through the door. The sprint to their bedroom would begin, undressing as they ran. Then in no time his face would be atop hers, gently kissing her lips as he slowly began to make love to her. While she had never had an orgasm in her life yet, she remembered how warm, relaxed and contented she felt after sex with Rob. She knew she should stay patient for five more months, say no to Laura and turn the taxi back to her house. But she didn't want to hurt Laura. What then should she say? She understood at this moment how little understanding Rob had about the depth of her loneliness. He had shipmates around for support and company. He certainly wouldn't understand her goings-on with Laura at the party, why she had enjoyed listening to this graphic propositioning, or the taboo fantasies that had been swimming in her head. "Amelia, are you still there?" Not realising the new direction of Amelia's thinking, Laura's voice had quietly interrupted, startling her somewhat. Amelia moved the phone to her other ear to hear her out before breaking the bad news. "Amelia, if you're enjoying everything assuming we've got to this stage, I want to go beyond just pleasuring you when we get to your place," the soft voice continued. "Tomorrow we'll go out and buy something that will mean I can enter you and make love to you just like a man can. So imagine us naked again, but on your bed now, me moving in and out of you, slowly at first until you're nice and lubricated, then beginning a gradual build-up?" Amelia's astonished mouth was open, but she was either unable or unwilling to interrupt. "For a long time, we'll take our time. Then I'll start pushing a little further into that lovely body to encourage the really deep sensations to start. After that though, you're on your own because my whole focus will then be on fucking you non-stop until I hear the screams and moans that tell me I've succeeded in scrambling your beautiful brains." Amelia was still in deep shock as Laura's tone became instantly lighter. "Then guess what? If it's a halfway decent day outside, I'm immediately dragging your sweet behind straight off the bed. You'll only have time to grab a pair of briefs before we're running hand-in-hand out that back gate of yours and onto the beach. Forget our unkempt hair and lack of clothing, we're walking along the shore, nipples to the wind! Anyone about or not, I plan on stopping for some quiet long kisses, and holding you close as we walk along the shore. If anyone passes, they'll no doubt notice the musky odour of sex. Then I'll be steering you back inside for another energetic bout or two that I guarantee will test your bed." There was a pregnant pause as Amelia disbelievingly processed the last words. Your bed? Two days ago, that was "our bed". The one that she and Rob had bought. Her mouth opened to try to explain or protest, but nothing came out. "God Amelia, I adore you. I want you so close to me it scares me," came the last soft bit. "I can re-negotiate my modelling itineraries so that I come to your place every Friday night for the next few weekends if you want, either quietly making love to you or trying my damndest to fuck you senseless as our mood dictates." The whole ambience had radically altered. This was so opposite to anything Rob would do. A quiet and gentle lover, he had never got physical enough to be accused, to use Laura's words, of fucking her. And what exactly would all this involve, since Laura was a female? She had once seen a picture of a girl wearing a strap-on, and believed it had just been a figment of someone's vivid imagination. Amelia thought back to the first time she saw Rob's fully erect penis and recalled naively wondering if it would hurt her. She found herself nervously swallowing warm tangy saliva. "Laura, I ... I'm not sure about all this," she said. "To be truthful, it scares me. A lot." "Tell me what you're thinking, Amelia," Laura murmured. Amelia took a breath. "I need to explain my predicament," she started. "I'm pretty much an innocent about this sort of thing. And the way I'm feeling, I'm scared what I could blurt out right now but I'm going to. This may probably surprise both you and me alike. Please, please promise to keep whatever I say as our secret forever, and never tell a soul. Not even Julie." "Not a hint or a word Amelia, whatever happens or doesn't," Laura quietly assured her. "You have my word." Amelia paused, then continued, her voice visibly shaking. "Laura, this is so fantastic, and so dangerous. I don't know where it's heading. But I'm so smitten by you it stuns me." "I like smitten, for now." Laura replied. "God, my turn I guess. I thought you were so amazing, so beautiful right from the very first time I saw you at the party. Well before we started anything tonight, I was fantasising about what it would be like to bed you." Amelia took a deep breath. "Whew! Well, tonight you made me feel so loved and you turned me on like never before. And now you're making an offer of four days that sounds incredibly romantic and, yes I'll admit it, downright erotic. How could I not feel anything but flattered that your thoughts are all about sharing such a sensual package like that with me?" "I can't wait to make love to you," Laura's excited voice muttered. "Oh God. This is all too sudden. I need some time to think," Amelia pleaded. "I'll ring you back. Soon. I promise." She was unable to stop her long legs trembling as she hung up, crossing them to try to stem not only the quivering but also trap the slick sensation inside. Images and thoughts were still churning as the taxi suddenly turned right. There was the hotel name looming just ahead. Again, Julie's advice ran through her head as she sat there nervously fiddling with her rings, trying to work out where this could end up. She kept replaying images of herself stretched out on her back, totally naked on a hotel king-sized bed, chin rising skyward with eyes and teeth clenching as she imagined feeling even more of Laura's tongue wriggling its way along her birth canal. The taxi pulled up. She sat still, creamy between her clenched thighs. Her two thick points were already a centimetre out under the thin T-shirt. The inside light came on and the cabbie turned to her. Coming out of her thoughts, she shyly realised he was totally captivated with the sight of her nipples visibly growing right before his eyes under her T-shirt. It was only a minute from Laura's door that she had finally realised what her decision had to be. And exactly why she couldn't go up. Now she had to find the right words to say. Softly she asked the driver for a minute and he turned away. The inside light went off. It seemed to take ages in the dark before her shaky finger pressed Laura's number. There was a tentative hi at the other end. Bag on the seat beside her, Amelia started to shake still not quite knowing what to say. She began hesitantly. "Hi. Well I'm sort of here. But I'm afraid I'm still in the taxi." The taxi driver looked around, eyebrows raised, a little impatient. He couldn't resist lowering his gaze to the points on her chest again though as he waited. "Still in the taxi? Why?" she heard Laura ask. "Just a second Laura," Amelia murmured. She leaned forward, blocking the phone as she gave her instructions to him. He turned away. She knew her own bed was safe and secure, and only fifteen minutes away as the taxi started to ease away. Slowly she raised the phone to her ear to explain. "Hi ..." she murmured. There was genuine hurt in Laura's interrupting voice. "You're about to tell me you can't come up, aren't you?" "I can't, true. But only because I don't know what suite you're in," she quietly blurted out, bag in hand, long legs shaky as they conveyed her through the hotel's front door while she searched the lobby for the lifts, four digits being excitedly repeated time and time again into her ear.