9 comments/ 68300 views/ 79 favorites Accidents Can Happen for a Reason By: ColdCat Tuesday morning. Absolutely the worst day of the week by virtue of the dreaded department meeting. I was almost out of the door, in fact about to set the alarm when I heard it - the squealing of brakes, a strangled yelp and the unmistakable crunch of one car hitting another. With a feeling of dread I pulled open the front door offering a silent prayer that the accident wasn't too bad. I seriously wasn't expecting my car to be involved, but there it was, perfectly parked with a large dark blue SUV seemingly embedded in it at a 45 degree angle. Dumping my briefcase in the doorway, I literally flew off the step, whispering 'please, please, please' thinking maybe this isn't as bad as it seems. It was. My driver's door was caved in, the window shattered and the steering wheel buckled, I didn't dare guess the other bodywork damage. And it got worse. Feeling extremely sick I realised that crushed and mangled between the two cars was a bicycle. 'Oh my god, oh my god, where's the rider?' I shrieked, suddenly remembering the driver of the SUV and yelling through her windscreen. She was an elderly lady, grey hair, glasses. She was gripping the steering wheel and staring straight ahead, she looked catatonic. Beginning to seriously panic and almost too frightened to look under the car, I started to run back to my bag to grab my phone. I was nearly back in the house when movement to my right caught my eye. She was a full 10 metres away from my car; I shuddered to think how she had ended up there and knew she must have been catapulted off her bike in the impact. Of course I ran immediately to her aid as she tried to stand. Horrified, I saw the blood dripping off her chin and noticed her hands and forearms grazed and bleeding. I was almost close enough to touch her when she turned on me, her eyes burning with fury. 'She thinks I hit her' I thought, and was trying to find a way to reassure her when she started to speak. 'You stupid fucking bitch' she spat and amazingly threw a weak punch at me. With a startled little squeak I skipped backwards away from her flailing right hook. She started to stumble, her face wracked with pain and I managed to reach her before she crashed to the floor. Thankfully my neighbour, Beth, chose that moment to arrive back from her early school run. A nurse, she quickly assessed the situation and was calling the emergency services as I sat on the pavement cradling a bleeding, sobbing, lycra clad girl against my shirt. It was only 30 minutes later, after the cyclist had been transferred to hospital and the old lady had been finally coaxed from her car that the policeman taking my statement suggested I should change before work. My clean white shirt and suit jacket were both spattered with her blood. On the bright side, I missed the department meeting. ------------ Later that week I was relaxing at home, clad in my favourite jeans, enjoying coffee and the Sunday papers when the doorbell rang. I recognised her immediately. The chin red and angry with stitches, forearms in gauze bandage and standing awkwardly on crutches. 'Erm', she started nervously, not sure I have the right address.' 'I'm sure you have', I said kindly, 'I hope you're not going to try and hit me again?' 'Oh god, I'm so sorry, that's why I'm here, to apologise. I was so shocked and upset, I'm not sure I knew what I was doing'. Her amazingly blue eyes pleaded with mine, clearly embarrassed. 'And they said you helped me, I can't stop feeling so bad that I yelled at you, oh god, I swore as well...' her voice began to trail off and I saw her beautiful eyes fill with tears. 'It's fine, it's ok', I stammered, 'it was a horrible accident, please don't worry about what you said'. I felt so powerless as she started to cry, struggling to keep her balance on the crutches, and suddenly I was holding her, helping her stay upright as she sobbed on my shoulder again. Her hair smelled of lemons. She regained her composure quickly and I suggested I make tea, more for something to do than anything else. I led her into my kitchen and she sagged against a tall stool. 'My name is Alex, I said, handing her a tissue, Alexandra Hope. I'm very glad to see you are nearly ok, did you break your ankle?' 'I did', she replied fixing me with her startlingly blue eyes again, 'apart from that, just cuts and scrapes. And lots and lots of bruises', she chuckled. 'Another 4 to 6 weeks and I will be fine'. I'm Katherine Hamilton by the way, please call me Kate.' I smiled at her and we both relaxed. I made tea and we chatted. She was a student, in her final year of a molecular biology degree, doing bike courier work as an income supplement. 'That's a bit stuffed for a while' she mused sardonically. I told her I was a corporate lawyer and we talked about the driver who had hit her and the insurance battle that was building up. Eventually, she made a move to leave. 'How did you get here?' I asked, curious. 'The bus.' 'You walked here from the high street on crutches?' 'Yep.' Her blue eyes challenged me, a measure of her independence. She didn't, however, look too happy about the return journey so I offered to take her home in my rental but she refused, politely. 'OK, at least let me drive you to the bus stop, I need to pop into town.' I was lying, but she agreed so it was worth it. That evening as I read through papers before bed I found all I could think about were blue eyes and hair that smelled of lemons. Mentally slapping myself, 'who are you kidding Alex?' ------------ Later on that summer I was invited to my baby brothers annual birthday barbeque. I loved Tom very much and I adored Maggie my sister. She was funny and bubbly and had always made me feel exceptionally welcome in their large chaotic home. I found her in the kitchen, beautifully pregnant with their third child. Harry and Emma, 4 and 5, always happy and always together had pounced on me at the door and were now rooting happily through my bag. Yes, I spoiled them rotten! I glanced into the garden where the other guests were milling and saw her immediately. I stopped and stared, I know I did. I took in her dark blond hair just touching her shoulders and her ready smile with small white teeth. Seeing her for the first time without scrapes and crutches she looked fresh and relaxed and I realised my heart was pounding in my chest. 'Oi, wake up and help me Al' Maggie's words made me jump guiltily and I coloured as I saw her look at me searchingly. So I smiled and dutifully prepared salad and cut bread. Two very quick glasses of sauvignon blanc later I found the courage to venture outside and, of course, Kate was the first person I managed to bump into. She recognised me and her face broke into a wonderfully genuine smile that took my breath away. 'Alex, hi, how are you? It's really good to see you again' 'You too' I replied, 'it's great to see you looking so much better' 'Yeh, I'm fine, all healed up except for this scar' She tilted her head to show me a neat scar just under her chin and I fought back the urge to touch it. We turned and walked towards the group of people clustered around the bbq. 'You know Tom and Maggie well?' she asked 'Quite well' I laughed, 'he's my brother.' 'Oh wow, I would never have guessed, you both look so different. 'We have different mothers' I said, explaining Tom's fair skin and reddish blond hair and my dark, almost mediterranean looks. 'How do you know my brother and his wife?' 'His company offered me a research grant. I can stay at Uni and work on my postgraduate degree and use the research facilities they offer, it's perfect.' She smiled the smile again and buzzed with wine and her infectious good humour I smiled brightly back and touched her bare arm lightly, 'That's great news, congratulations', and as I spoke her beautiful blue eyes locked with mine and I felt the heat start to rise in my face. I was rescued by my baby brother, who picked me up in a very undignified manner and twirled me round the garden much to the amusement of his kids. The party was great, we ate, we drank, and we listened to Toms outrageous jokes as Maggie rolled her eyes theatrically. They were a fun couple and had wonderful friends; it was comfortable in their company. Unfortunately, I felt that I only wanted the company of one person but I knew I would never be able to do anything about it. When the time came to leave Kate kissed both Tom and Maggie warmly as her taxi waited. I was loitering in the kitchen, trying to appear busy when she came and found me. Telling me how nice it was to see me again, she hugged me close, kissed my cheek and left rather hurriedly. I was motionless for several moments, one hand on my face staring in the direction she had left. Maggie watched me and with dawning comprehension gave my arm a squeeze. I left as soon as was humanly possible. ---------- October saw me working away almost the entire month as my department was overseeing a series of acquisitions in the US. It was hard work but I loved it. My ice queen reputation was further enhanced as I refused a series of dinner dates from various single and not so single guys in the period we were there. My thoughts kept returning to Kate and her wonderful smile, I knew I was in trouble over her and worked hard to push her to the back of my mind. Returning at the beginning of November, I was cheered up at the thought of spending Bonfire Night with Harry and Emma. This was my night with them, leaving Tom and Maggie to their own devices while the kids and I watched fireworks and ate toffee apples, I loved it! The night of November 5th, was as always cold, wet and miserable, perfect weather for standing outside for hours, but oh well. The kids were ready when I arrived, excitedly jumping about getting all hot and bothered in their many layers. 'Where's Tom? I asked Maggie 'In the study, he shouldn't be long. Kate needed to go over something with him.' She gave me a look that I couldn't identify. 'She's here?' I whispered, heart thudding 'Uhuh', again the look Feeling suddenly way too warm in my winter coat and pashmina I was starting to take them off when the study door opened and Tom grabbed me in a bear hug. 'Hey hey, how's the world's most wonderful babysitter tonight, all ready for another year of damp sparklers and soggy hotdogs?' His laugh was infectious; he had always managed to make me smile. 'Put me down Tank, I laughed, 'and you know that I love it as much as the kids do!' A blond head appeared from behind the study door, bright blue eyes and a perfect smile that reached them and made them sparkle. 'Ooo, where you off to then' she asked 'Bonfire, bonfire' chanted the kids 'Wow, can I come? I haven't been for years' she turned her eyes to me, 'would that be ok Alex, you don't mind?' My mouth refused to function, I was thrilled at the thought of spending time with her and terrified of my own emotions. I was rescued from answering when I felt a shove in the back as Tom muscled in on the conversation, 'Sounds great' he said amicably, 'leave your car here and drive in with Alex, she parks in the office lot, really close to the park.' It took about 10 frantic minutes to get ready. Car seats were swapped over and Harry and Emma securely fastened in. We set off and were soon joining hundreds of other excited kids and patient adults ringed around a huge bonfire near the parks west entrance. Kate was fabulous with the kids and danced about happily with them writing in the dark air with the safety sparklers I had brought. The bonfire was burning brightly when the fireworks started to go off. Emma securely on my hip hugging me tightly and Harry tucked up against my legs, all faces were turned skywards for the pyrotechnic display. Except mine, all I could stare at was Kate. Her upturned face wearing a large smile was intermittently lit up by the fireworks and I found it hard to take my eyes off her. She caught me looking and our eyes locked for an instant before I turned away, thankful for the night to spare my deep blush. The children chatted all the way home as only kids can, tired but excited. They ran to Maggie and as she fussed over them she looked up, 'Stay for a drink?' 'Sounds lovely' replied Kate bending down to untie her boots I'd love to' I said, 'but I have to prepare fo ,umm, a meeting, tomorrow, I have so much to do' I was babbling and blushing and I just had to leave as quickly as possible. 'Sorry to dash, it was fun' I kissed Maggie. 'It was great to see you again Kate' I stammered and turned headed quickly for my car leaving two rather bewildered women in my wake. 'Fuck...........fuck fuck fuck!' (I never swear), I hit the steering wheel in my frustration. I was stuck, I liked her, I really liked her. She was attractive, she had a lovely personality and I enjoyed her company. If she knew how much my heart pounded when I was near her she would be horrified. 'Why do you have to like girls Alex?, I asked myself. Not for the first time, I didn't answer. Reaching home I needed a drink like I had never needed one before. Throwing off my coat and boots I poured myself a large single malt whisky and leaned against the kitchen counter staring at the pale amber liquid. My thoughts were interrupted by the door bell and I opened up to find Kate standing on the step. Outwardly calm, her beautiful blue eyes were burning brightly. Minus the blood, she looked strangely like the first moment I had seen her and I took an involuntary step back. She took this as an invitation to enter, kicking the door shut with her foot. Seeing my glass she took it, sniffed its contents and took a large swallow. 'Help me out with something Alex, I'm confused' 'Confused?' Maybe you don't like me? 'No, I do, really I do', I was stammering again as she got closer. 'Well, I thought', she paused setting the glass down on the hall table,' I thought that we had a connection.' 'A connection?' Her hands found my upper arms and she pushed me back slightly, close now and looking up into my eyes with a fierce intensity, 'Yes Alex, a connection, a mutual attraction. Tell me I'm wrong.' 'No' 'No?' 'No', I whispered, 'you're not wrong' Gripping me a little tighter she brought her face to mine. Her lips hovered for an instant before she kissed me lightly. Warm, soft and smoky sweet from the whisky she was gentle and slow and seemingly of its own volition my tongue reached out to taste her for the first time. She pulled back in surprise and a smile played at her lips before she bought them to mine again. Harder this time, her tongue at first just caressing my bottom lip before forcing its way into my willing mouth and exploring. All my emotions crashed down on me and I moaned into her mouth. My hands reached for her and tangled in her soft blond hair pulling her closer as I felt the heat in me and around me. I felt a burning throb between my legs as I lost myself to the sensation of this beautiful woman kissing me. Unable to suppress another moan I pressed into her and she felt my desire and dropped a hand from my arm and slid it between us, between my legs. White hot desire flashed up and suddenly I had no control. My orgasm arrived quickly and she held me tight as I strained and bucked against her, crying out into her neck. Knees buckling, I slid down onto the stairs and she followed, keeping a tight hold of me and whispering into my hair, 'Alex, oh god Alex, that felt so good', Her voice was shaky and as her lips found me again I realised her arousal matched mine. I reached a hand to caress her breast and heard her breath catch for a second. Pushing her back onto the stairs I moved a hand to the waist of her jeans and impatiently tugged at the buttons. 'Please, Alex, please, I want you so much' My long fingers slid into her panties, past short soft hair and slipped between her legs. She was so wet and soft I felt like I was touching liquid silk. Her clit was hard under my fingers as I rubbed gently, listening to her breathing become shallow and ragged, little moans escaping as she bit down on her lip. I leaned over her and put my cheek against hers, whispering her name as her body stiffened underneath me. She moaned a low deep sensual sound as she came, her body arching up from the stairs for the longest moment before her hips began to pulse against my fingers in quick bursts. I kept my hand on her as she settled, still twitching slightly and we lay together on the stairs, neither moving nor speaking for several minutes. Pulling away from her slightly, I looked into her gorgeous blue eyes. This close I could see the darker ring of blue around the iris that gave them their startling beauty. Her hands came to my face and her thumbs traced my cheek bones. Neither of us seemed to know what to say next. I decided to break the silence, 'Come to bed with me?' 'Yes' We rose and climbed the stairs together hand in hand. My room was dark and cool but we stood and undressed each other slowly, taking our time now that our initial passion had been satisfied. I stood behind her to unclasp her bra, letting it fall as my hands slid over her ribs to cup her full breasts. She leaned back into me as my hands covered her, feeling her nipples hard against my palms. 'Feels so good, Alex' she sighed. Both now naked, we crawled under the covers and lay still and pressed together letting our bodies warm up. We kissed, slowly at first with little licks and sucks that became more passionate as our bodies moulded together, our breasts touching. I needed to touch her, taste her, and my hand wandered down the side of her body caressing her smooth firm skin. I found her nipple and teased and toyed with it causing her to whimper into my mouth. My lips left hers and I kissed a trail down her chin and over her collar bone to find her breast. Running my lips over her nipple I exalted in the shudder that passed thru her body. I gently tongued her nipple, feeling it harden even more before pulling it into my mouth and sucking slowly but insistently. 'Oh god yes, Alex, yes'. The sound of her moaning my name turned me on so much I had to take a deep breath to steady myself and as I did I caught the distinct aroma of our arousal, warm and musky. I so wanted to taste her, to make her call my name with pleasure, so I slid my body lower, kissing over her firm tummy and thru her soft blond curls. Her cry was almost a wail, pleading and sexy, 'Pleeeeeese Alex, touch me...please.' My tongue dipped into her, past her swollen lips to find her wet with desire. She tasted sweet and salty and citrus, she tasted of her, how I expected. I caressed her lips, nibbled on them and let my tongue touch at her opening. Her hips were moving and her thighs were quivering as I moved my hands to her knees and pushed them wide apart 'Oh my god, yessss', she hissed thru her teeth. Another orgasm close, I closed my mouth over her clit, flicking it with my tongue, holding on as her hips rose and fell with the rhythm of my sucking mouth. Her breath again became ragged and her speech incoherent as she stiffened against me, shuddering. Her cry was loud and long as her climax took her and I held on tight to her bum as she rocked against my mouth, her juices flowing freely from her. Slowly she calmed, whimpering softly every time I gently licked her to elicit another quivering response. I whispered her name into her soft thighs as she relaxed my own arousal powerfully strong. I felt her hands reach for me, pulling me up to her. She kissed me deeply, tasting herself on my lips. 'Alex that felt so good, you are perfect', she whispered into my mouth. 'I know you want to cum, darling please let me help you cum.' 'Oh god yes...yes please.' I moaned low and long as her hands reached down and squeezed my bum, pushing me against her. My swollen clit was pressed up against her thigh which she began to move against me. The friction sent electric pulses to every part of my body and my wetness spread over her thigh. I matched her rhythm, riding her leg, each movement bringing frissons of pleasure coursing thru me. Gripping her shoulders and with my face buried in her neck I felt sweat break out on my back where she held me tightly. Accidents Can Happen for a Reason Ch. 02 The following is a continuance of a story I posted a little while ago. Not sure this really works on its own, so please take a little time to read Part 1, I hope you like it...Best wishes CC. ---------- I woke early, immediately feeling the warm weight lying over my tummy. Momentarily confused I turned and felt my face touch the soft hair of the sleeping woman sharing my bed. Kate was asleep on her front, her face turned away and her left arm across me with her hand curled protectively under my ribs. I smiled hugely, remembering. I eased myself slowly from the bed, determined not to wake my sleeping lover and padded softly to the bathroom. Washing my hands I looked into the mirror, studying my reflection. Nothing so different on the outside, but inside my body was singing. Smiling broadly at myself I walked back to the bed and looked down at the outlined form of Kate, still fast asleep on her front. I could have looked forever, but the room was cold so soundlessly I slid back under the covers. Moving close to Kate, I luxuriated in the warmth and soft citrusy smell. She stirred slightly so I placed a light kiss on her shoulder blade and a hand on her back, feeling her relax back into a deep sleep. Kate's skin felt so warm and soft and I allowed my hand to roam lightly, feeling down her spine and across her strong shoulders. I stopped my exploration at the swell of Kate's bum, debating whether to continue; my decision made easier by a dreamy sigh and the subtle way Kate's legs parted slightly. Emboldened, I continued my journeying using my fingertips to caress Kate's thighs and bum, feeling the tiny goose bumps and little muscle quivers that followed my touch. I let my long fingers traverse the cleft of Kate's buttocks and dipped between her thighs causing the sleepy girl to stretch like a cat and moan softly. She was wet and warm and opened up to my dainty probing. I felt Kate shift slightly, raising her bottom and opening her legs further, allowing me total access. In one movement, I slipped a finger inside her very wet opening and dragged it slowly out and up across her already swollen clit, eliciting another sleepy moan. Using my teeth to gently bite her shoulder, I repeated this slow manoeuvre again and again until Kate's hips were rocking and her hands were gripping the pillow, signs of her impending orgasm obvious by the muffled sounds and gasping breaths. Suddenly Kate stiffened and I felt an increase in the warm wetness beneath my fingers, before she was jerking and shuddering beneath me. I slowed my finger movements, allowing Kate to gently come down from her climax and moved to her face to kiss gently on her flushed cheek. Kate breathed deeply for a few minutes before smiling and sleepily announcing, 'That was the most deliciously perfect way to wake up!' 'I'm glad you thought so.' I murmured. 'You know what would make it even more perfect?' Kate's question was accompanied by rather cheeky grin, 'Tell me.' 'How about... a nice cup of tea?' Laughing acquiescence, I swatted her with a pillow and climbed out of bed. Slipping on my robe, I descended the stairs grinning like an idiot when I saw our coats and boots carelessly covering the floor of the hall. I remembered; milk and no sugar, and returned carrying the mugs of hot tea carefully. It was past dawn now and the room was softly lit. Kate was sitting, smiling and propped up on pillows. She accepted her tea gratefully and sipped at the hot liquid, her beautiful blue eyes on mine. Setting the cup down on the night table, she slowly removed the duvet covering her and leaned back, allowing me to see her fully for the first time. Swallowing hard I took in the sight of her nakedness. Her strong shoulders and large firm breasts outlined slightly by the summers tan lines. She had large rosy pink areole and her erect nipples were just a shade lighter. Her stomach and thighs were hard and toned, evidence of her exercise routine, but she was curvy and sexy. Blond trimmed hair covered her mound and she raised and opened her knees to let me see her pink and glistening folds. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Setting down my mug I started to sit but she stopped me. One hand grasping at the belt of my robe, 'Uh uh,'she scolded, 'your turn' and tugged the belt loose. I shrugged out of my robe and let it slip from my shoulders, standing naked before her. I wondered what she would think. Dark eyes and brown hair that curled at my neck and ears; olive skinned with high cheek bones, a gift from my Spanish mother. My breasts were small in comparison to hers and while not as fit, I was slender with endless legs. She stared and her eyes seemed to dilate, 'You're so stunning Alex...come here!' It was a command. She scooted over the bed slightly and dragged me down into the space she had vacated. She then proceeded to touch me, really touch me, all over. She took her time, slowly moving her hands and fingers, using the lightest of movements. She lingered over the hollow at the base of my throat, kissing me and using her tongue to feel my pulse. Her fingers trailed down my arm and her tongue licked circles in the crook of my elbow. My skin tingled and burned with each pass she made over me. Hours seemed to pass and I squirmed and wriggled as she continued her exploration of my body. My long legs, my feet, my back and shoulders; they all received attention, and every so often she would return to my face and kiss me tenderly. I was so aroused I believed myself to be floating, curiously detached from myself and focussing solely on the part of me she was touching. 'Do you know how good you feel to touch?' she whispered, using her tongue on the shell of my ear to send a shock of renewed excitement through me. 'I know how good it feels ...but oh god I don't think I can take much more of this,' I was practically begging, wanting release and yet willing her to continue. 'Alex... Alex,' this was whispered into my neck as her lips moved south once again. Her fingers dipped between my legs and started long slow caresses as I felt her warm mouth cover a nipple. She quickened her fingers, stroking lightly over and around my clit while the suction at my breast increased. I couldn't think; I couldn't concentrate as the two wildly erotic sensations competed for my attention. I was aware of my breathing, harsh and ragged and a growing pressure in my pelvis, building, building, my god when would it stop? 'Kate, oh god... Kate...Katie.' Suddenly it hit me, a huge crashing orgasm, blindingly white hot at first and slowly, sweetly carrying me back down to earth. Kate's arms wrapped around me, pulling me to her, instinctively knowing I needed to be held tight. Pressed firmly against her I allowed a single tear to sneak from the corner of my eye. Feeling it on her skin, she pulled away, stroking the path it took with her thumb. Mesmerising blue eyes held mine and I felt she was about to speak...when the doorbell rang! It rang a second time, accompanied by loud impatient knocks and we both sat up suddenly. 'Better go and see,' she prompted, eyebrows raised. 'Bloody hell!' Muttering, I grabbed my robe and clattered downstairs. Opening the door cautiously I saw Maggie, fraught and harassed. 'Alex you idiot, you ran off last night with my car seats in your car and now I'm stuck with two kids with places to go and I can't take them anywhere and you, you are still in bed...!' She paused for a much needed breath, suddenly catching sight of my appearance. Messed up hair, flushed cheeks and 'just fucked'eyes; she took it all in and her hand flew to her mouth while her eyes gave a perfect approximation of an 'Oh shit' moment. 'I'll get them; she pushed past me, reaching for my keys on the hall table. I still hadn't said a word and I blushed as she picked up the two coats from the floor and shoved them in my arms. I was pushing them into the hall closet when she returned with my car keys. 'Alex?' Kate's blond head appeared over the banister with classic timing. 'Hi Kate, morning', Maggie beamed up at her and winked at me rather theatrically. She reached out a hand and cupped my chin gently. 'About time girlie!' Maggie left as hurriedly as she had arrived. Kate slowly came downstairs wearing a borrowed bathrobe and biting her lip, 'Sorry, I didn't mean to be indiscreet.' 'Don't worry.' I reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. 'Maggie would have been the first person I told anyway...maybe not quite as quickly as that, but...' Kate laughed and leaned up to kiss the tip of my nose, 'I'm starving, feed me!' And so our relationship started. ---------- My first day with Kate was spent almost entirely on the sofa. Cold and wet outside, I lit a fire in the stove and made us a pile of toast and some good coffee. We sat curled up together and munched in silence for a while watching the flames flicker behind the glass. 'Why didn't you say anything to me about the way you felt?' Kate didn't beat about the bush much! I swallowed hard, the toast suddenly a huge lump in my throat. 'Well, I wasn't sure and I was afraid and I'm very, very cautious' was my lame response. 'Maggie said you liked me.' 'When?' 'Last night...when you ran out. I was upset and I told her that I wasn't sure that you liked me but the signals I was getting were so strong I was totally confused.' I stared at her amazed, 'And what did she say?' 'She said, nope Katie, I think the problem is she likes you too much. So I jumped in my car and drove here as fast as I could.' 'I'm glad you did.' 'But that doesn't explain what you were so frightened of. I felt an almost instant attraction to you, I felt you might be gay, but you were so, so...well, brittle sometimes.' I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath. I felt her hand touch mine and so began to explain. 'When I finished Uni, I was recruited by large law firm and was sent to work in London, I didn't really want to live there but I wanted the job. London seemed huge and soulless but I settled in quite well and decided to stay, even bought my first flat. One of my initial accounts was a large cosmetic company. I worked quite closely with their head of Marketing Communications, a French woman called Sabine Dumas. She was older, quite glamorous really; confident and funny. After the account closed, she invited me to an event. I thought she would have invited all of her female colleagues, after all it was about make-up, but when I arrived it was just me and her. I was flattered and very young. To cut a long story short, she carefully and thoughtfully seduced me; it felt very right, I had never been very attracted to men and I knew that this was what I wanted. After 6 months, I moved in with her and rented my flat out.' 'Were you happy?' 'Yes, yes I was. And I was in love, I was working hard, earning lots of money, life seemed perfect.' 'What happened?' 'We were together for four years, I had never considered the future or our age difference, I just assumed we would always be. Then one day she said it was over, that she didn't want to watch me seeing her get old and she was moving back to France. Just like that!' 'Oh my god, Alex, how awful, what did you do?' 'I argued, I shouted, I promised her age didn't matter, I begged...nothing worked. Eventually I got the point and moved back into my flat, I thought my heart was going to break.' Kate was by now holding my hand and kneading it gently in hers. 'I stayed working hard and tried to mend and then one day I saw her. She hadn't left and she was with someone, someone young and pretty and doting, just like I had been. I figured her for a liar, decided I had to move far away, so I sold the flat and came up here to work. I lived a few months with Tom and Maggie while I found this place to live. Can't have been easy for them, Harry and Emma were still babies.' 'Ok, so you had your heart broken. I can understand how hard that must have been, but it doesn't explain you reticence to try another relationship.' Kate's voice was gentle and comforting. 'That's not all of it,' I replied slowly 'Tell me.' 'Well, I moved into the house, work was fine, I was becoming quite comfortable. I started a yoga class twice a week. I met a woman; really liked her and we became friends. We would meet for lunch sometimes in the city, have drinks after work. I figured maybe we could have more. God, I got it so totally and horribly wrong.' 'Let me guess, you made a move and she wasn't interested?' 'Yes', I looked at her aghast, 'has that happened to you?' 'God yes, many times.' 'Really! Shit...doesn't it make you feel, well, awful?' 'Sometimes,' she smiled gently, 'I get over it, why didn't you?' 'She called me...' I gulped loudly, my face beginning to burn remembering the shame I had felt. 'She said I was...' 'Alex don't,' Kate interrupted, 'just don't say it or think about it. I'm here and I think you are beautiful and I want to be you.' I let out one short sob and she grabbed me, holding me tight with her hands in my hair. She pulled away from me slightly and started to plant tiny kisses over my face and hair and neck, making little reassuring noises. Soon she was kissing me in earnest, passionate and authoritative and I found myself falling back onto the sofa, holding on as she transported me back to the world where nothing existed but her. Kate made love to me on that sofa, in front of the fire and later we realised we had rolled on the toast and we both had strawberry jam in our hair. This sent us racing, giggling to the shower where she initiated another round of slow sensual love making. We washed each other's hair, something I found extremely intimate and sexy and something that was going to become a ritual in our lives together. ---------- We settled into an easy routine, spending our weekends together and trying to find time together during the week. Kate still lived in student accommodation and enjoyed spending as much time away from it as possible. It seemed effortless; we were both very different and yet had so many things in common. I loved to cook for her, she fixed my wonky curtain rails and we spent days re-decorating my study. There seemed to be permanence about her and I quickly lost my fear of hurt and rejection. We had to spend our first Christmas apart, she had committed to a ski holiday with some faculty members and I was due at my parent's house for their festivities. I had an uneasy relationship with my step-mother, it had always been so but this was lessened by the noise and fun of being with Tom, Maggie and the kids. Late one evening Tom and I were putting the world to rights over a bottle of Talisker and I opened up a little, 'She hates the fact I'm gay doesn't she?' 'It's not that she hates it, she just doesn't know how to handle it' he said wisely. 'And anyway, I think you scare her a little, you look so different, and you must remind Dad constantly of your mum, she's always had issues with that.' 'You have got to be kidding me Tank, She is scared of Me!?!' Tom nodded a little drunkenly, 'Yep, I know these things, see...' Maggie interrupted us, 'You two are really going to feel like shit tomorrow if you don't stop drinking that vile stuff and go to bed...now!' She was right, I did feel like shit, but I also remembered what he had said and it did give me a little more insight into me complicated relationship with both my father and step-mother. ---------- A little less than 5 months after Kate and I met we noticed a subtle shift in our relationship. It started with a phone call in the middle of the night. Maggie had gone into labour and, as planned we rushed over to watch the kids. We sat nervously waiting for news as the children slept. 'Tank loves all of this; I think poor Maggie will spend the rest of her life popping out babies' I joked. 'Why on earth do you call him Tank?' Kate wondered. 'Thomas the Tank Engine' I smiled, 'he loved the stories, I used to read them to him when he was little, and the name stuck.' Her brilliant blue eyes fixed on mine as she began to realise the depth of the bond I had with my brother and I felt my heart begin to thump a little faster. Tom arrived a little after dawn, elated with news of another daughter. Maggie was well and the baby was fine so Kate and I drove back to my house to shower and change before making a visit. I was introduced to my tiny niece and was cradling her gently when Maggie announced they had decided to call her Connie. I started to cry softly as I looked down at the miniature version of Maggie with my mother's name. I looked up and found Kate gazing at me, her own eyes filled with tears, her expression both full of yearning and sadness. Kate was quiet and thoughtful throughout the rest of the day. I waited for her to voice whatever it was that was bothering her. Clearing up after dinner, she blurted it out, 'Alex, do you want children of your own?' 'Kate, I'm not...' 'Because if you do,' she interrupted,' I'm not sure I can help you through it...I mean it's not what I want.' 'Can I...' 'I saw the way looked you at Connie and I know you have a strong caring instinct, I just don't want to get too deep with you if we want different things.' She was crying now, mad at herself and confused at this new situation so I pulled her close, holding her as she fought against me slightly. 'Listen to me Kate, you must listen. No I don't think I want kids of my own, it doesn't seem to be what I am.' I held her face and forced her to look at me, 'but...that doesn't mean I can't be one hell of an Aunt, does it? Yes, you saw me instantly connect with Connie, just as I did with Emma and Harry before; of course I care for them, but having children of my own had never been part of my life's plan and I doubt it ever will be. Does that answer your question?' 'I didn't want to lose you' she whispered, and she clung to me, sobbing and nodding. I held her tight for a very long time Not long after that, I again had to make another extended business trip to the US overseeing more mergers. I was away for nearly 4 weeks and missing Kate nearly killed me. I concentrated hard on work and called and messaged her whenever possible. She became quiet and more remote as the weeks passed by and I began to worry. I kept asking her if she was OK and she kept replying she was but I knew she had a problem and waited, trusting her to tell me when she could. On my return I was expecting an empty house, and was surprised to find Kate in the kitchen. She flew at me, a blond bundle of kisses and caresses and passion that left me reeling after 4 long weeks apart. We didn't make it past the stairs and afterwards we lay glued together, kissing gently. 'What has been wrong with you, I was worried, you have hardly been talking to me at all?' I murmured into her soft lovely neck. She sat up quickly and attempted to get up, but I held her back, beginning to panic 'Answer me Kate!' 'I missed you,' she said simply,' I missed you so much; I hated being apart from you.' Suddenly she was holding onto me tight, tears flowing, 'I love you Alex, oh god, I love you so much...I never felt anything like this before, and I'm so...so...scared!' My heart seemed to burst. I sat on my stairs, holding onto this beautiful woman and realised the truth, 'Don't be scared Katie', I sobbed into her blond citrus smelling hair; 'don't be scared darling, I love you too!' ---------- Kate moved in with me 2 weeks after that and the next chapter in our life together began. Years passed and we both fell more deeply in love. She was a passionate, almost aggressive lover. She liked to be in control, mostly of herself and her own emotions. She liked to tease me. Sometimes over breakfast she would suddenly begin kissing me, her hands roaming over me, instantly making me feel warm and aroused. Just as quickly she would depart either for a run or work, leaving me laughing over my frustration. Throughout the day a series of naughty, sexy texts would suddenly appear on my phone making me blush and wriggle with the anticipation of getting home to her. Sometimes though, she could be soft and yielding especially early mornings when she would cuddle me half asleep, half awake. She would lay back and allow me to gently explore her, not talking but guiding me with little sighs and movements until she would cum with gasping cries. And then she would curl up against me, sometimes falling back to sleep, and I would hold her quietly with my heart full of love for her. Accidents Can Happen for a Reason Ch. 02 She worked hard and was almost considered brilliant, sometimes losing herself for days in a project, forgetting to eat and sleep until it was finished. So different from my methodical, measured approach to my job. She could be distant for days and then I would wake up in the middle of the night and find her blond head between my thighs kissing and licking me to a sudden intense climax. I hardly ever knew what to expect, sometimes coming home to find her fast asleep hunched over her laptop and other times happily preparing an evening meal, ready with a glass of wine and a kiss. I was her calming influence and she was the fire in my heart. She was confident and certain of herself. Never once did she doubt her own sexuality and was scathing towards people who didn't understand. Sometimes, when I was having one of my periodic crises about people's perceptions of myself she would hold me, her blue eyes intense on mine, 'Relax about it Alex. Sexuality doesn't create a person; it's just part of the way we are. And love is still love and I'm eternally grateful for that.' She dragged me out running and I taught her yoga. She tried, rather unsuccessfully, to win over my father and step-mother and I tried to imagine that I didn't care about what they thought anymore. When she finished her PhD and became Dr Hamilton, Tom and Maggie presented her (tongue firmly in cheek) with a white coat and stethoscope...which she used to great effect on me! We both changed jobs, she to a medical equipment manufacturer and I finally set up the legal practise I had wanted for so long with a couple of colleagues. We were happy, successful and very much in love. Nothing could burst our bubble. Until something did. Something was to happen that would turn our lives upside down and cause me to try and ruin the best thing in my life. To be continued... Accidents Can Happen for a Reason Ch. 03 The following is a continuance of a story I posted a little while ago. It might stand up on its own but will make much more sense if you read the first two parts, I hope you like it...Best wishes CC. One Saturday evening Kate and I were in the cinema. The film was dreadful, not what we were expecting. Kate was restless and playful; reaching across for popcorn her fingers would 'accidently' brush against my breast. Her hand resting on my knee would begin to creep under my skirt and every now and again she would lean over and whisper something very naughty and suggestive in my ear. I was 39 years old and fending off the attentions of a very lovely woman, the thought made me giggle and Kate knew that I was putty in hers hands. We finished the film; I can't even remember what it was about and made our way down the street to pick up a Thai take-out. Driving home, Kate continued to tease and every time we stopped at the lights she would tilt towards me and kiss me. We reached home and I started to open the meal up while Kate opened a bottle of wine and poured a couple of glasses. As she handed me one, I saw the answer phone light blinking. I realised I had forgotten to switch on my phone after the movie. With Kate hugging me from behind and wriggling her hand under my t-shirt, I pressed play. The message was calm, dreadful and to the point. We both froze and I swung round to look at her. She took my glass and set it down, 'We'll go; right now...I'll drive' Picking up bags and purses we fled the house, my stomach churning over in fright. The message had explained an accident, a serious accident involving Tom, Maggie and the kids. It said nothing more, just 'accident' and the name of the hospital. Kate drove quickly but carefully while I stared out of the window chewing on a thumb nail. She grasped my hand, 'Don't panic yet love, let's get the full picture.' She was kind and strong but I could hear the worry in her voice. Of course, the hospital was the kind of chaos you would normally find in an emergency department on a Saturday night. Drunken aggressive football fans and a gaggle of students mixed in the waiting room giving the place a fuggy belligerent atmosphere. The receptionist was sympathetic and thorough and we found ourselves in the much more peaceful family room. I quickly discovered I found the bedlam outside almost preferable to the nerve wracking quiet. We waited for about 45 very long minutes before the door opened and a tired looking man in scrubs opened the door and came in. He shook both our hands and established our identities before asking us to sit. He began with good news. 'We received 5 patients from a road traffic accident at 7pm. Three children were admitted, they are all stable and well. The boy, Harry, has a double fracture of his tibia and will require surgery. The two girls will be kept in for observation, but save for mild concussion and bruising they appear to be well.' Both Kate and I released breath simultaneously. He continued, his expression grave. 'Mrs Hope has received very serious injuries and has had surgery to stop internal bleeding. I must warn you however that her injuries are severe; she's in intensive care. We will do all we can.' 'Tom?' His eyes caught mine and I knew his news would be awful before he opened his mouth. 'Miss Hope, I'm very sorry to have to tell you that Mr Hope was declared dead on arrival. His injuries were very severe; I doubt very much that he would have been conscious at all since the accident.' My world stopped still. I could hear the blood thumping in my ears but was aware of little else. My adorable baby brother was dead and Maggie was critical. I struggled to focus and accept the information. I was aware of Kate and the doctor speaking but I couldn't hear what they said. I can remember fragments of the rest of the night; watching the children sleep in a kids ward, seeing Maggie lying so very still, surrounded by machines while tubes pumped life into her. Numbly nodding while I identified Tom and watching as my father and step mother received the most awful news a parent can be told. Kate took me home at the end of my worst evening, made me drink tea and held me close on the sofa. I was conscious of her grief and of her tears but my own refused to arrive. The next few days were filled with hope. Emma and Connie were released and came home. Maggie's parents arrived, both distraught but hopeful and the house was filled while we took turns to visit Harry who was doing well and Maggie, who wasn't. Maggie died three days later. There were no 'soap opera' endings. I was in the room with her mum, Cathy, when the machines sounded a warning and a team of medics rushed in. I waited helplessly outside until they came out and told us the news and I retreated to leave Cathy to her grief. My whole world seemed to be in freefall and it was the constant love and care Kate gave that kept me sane. We all endured the double funeral. We all took turns being with and explaining to the kids. It was the most heart breaking of times. And every night I would find myself in Kate's strong warm arms and feel like she made just a little of the hurt disappear. Inevitably, unavoidably, Tom and Maggie's Will was read and our thoughts moved on to the kids and their future. Typically, Tom had prepared well and all his affairs were very much in order. The house was safe and money was never going to be an issue. The big question, of course, was the guardianship of the children and Tom and Maggie's will had expressly asked that I was to be the primary carer for the kids. Late into the evening I sat with Cathy and Bill, Maggie's parents, as well as my own while we discussed our options. Bill had MS, and while still fit and relatively healthy they were really in no position to look after 3 lively children and I guessed the same to be said of my father and stepmother. While positively terrified of the prospect, I knew that I owed it to my brother and Maggie to look after their kids in the best way I could. Secretly, I was terrified of Kate's reaction to the news and had been avoiding the subject with her. I got up and walked to the kitchen to make us all tea. The door closed behind me but not before I heard my stepmothers' voice, low and urgent. 'You can't possibly be serious?' she hissed I quietly opened the door a touch and listened from the safety of the kitchen 'You can't possibly be thinking of leaving our grandchildren to be brought up by...by a pair of...well, lesbians!' I shut the door again and leaned against it with my heart beating fast and a sweat breaking out on my forehead. I didn't listen to the rest of the conversation, I didn't want to. Had she really said that? Did they all feel the same way? All my deep rooted insecurities immediately crept up to the surface and I was left reeling. The grief that I had been holding back for so long came crashing down on me and I sank to the floor in a daze. Still the tears didn't come, but crazy thoughts instead, and one coherent thought rose above them all; no way were those kids going to be brought up my stepmother! Stupid thoughts and plans have a habit of appearing quite sane when you are wounded and down. My thoughts seemed quite clear at the time. I would look after the children, and if my sexuality was an issue, then I would remove it from the equation. I would look after them alone. 'You're going to do what?' Kate's voice was high, incredulous. 'Don't be so stupid, what on earth are you thinking?' 'I'm going to move into Tom's house with the kids and look after them alone.' 'Alone?' 'Yes.' 'What about me?' 'You don't want kids, you told me.' 'That was years ago and things change; Alex stop being so stupid and think clearly. You can't just leave me, we're a couple, and we do things together.' 'We can't do this together,' I was whining, faltering. 'Oh for fuck's sake Alex!' She stopped, suddenly so angry she could hardly speak, her blue eyes flashing and her cheeks reddening. 'Will you for once stop thinking about the proper thing to do and work on what's the right thing to do?' Her voice dripped sarcasm and instead of being cowed it seemed to strengthen my resolve. 'The right to do is look after Tom and Maggie's kids the best way I can. Our relationship can't carry on if I have to become a parent, it just can't,' I shouted back, so tense my fingernails dug into my palms and close to tears. 'Stupid!' she spat, and turned and walked away. I heard the front door slam. We battled for 3 more days. She screamed and I yelled. I was beyond reason and, with hindsight, she was fighting for all the things she loved. In all the years we had been together we had never fought, barely even argued, it had all been so easy. It made it all the more difficult to find ourselves at such odds now. So hard to see her tears and know I had caused them, but the more she yelled at me the more I was resolved to go and do what I thought was best, and then more sarcastic she became the less I listened to her arguments. Late one evening I was in the spare room, quietly, sneakily, packing the last few things I wanted to take with me. Kate had been out running and I heard her bound up the stairs and into our room, door crashing behind. I knew she was showering and hurriedly finished off, planning on stowing the bags away until I left. Suddenly the door flew open, Kate wet from the shower and wearing just a towel stood in the doorway and saw the bags. She looked disbelieving, 'What the fuck are you doing?' 'Packing,' I actually gulped. 'I won't let you leave.' 'You can't stop me.' 'I fucking well can.' Rather stupidly I started to laugh, 'How?' Her anger seemed to burst out of her. She was on me in a flash, her hands gripping my wrists tight. She forced me backwards and I hit the wall with a crash. God, she was strong. I was taller but she was fit and I could see the muscles in her upper arms bulge slightly as she forced my arms up over my head. Her towel dropped off and she pressed against me, the grip on my wrists painful and her raw anger scaring the hell out of me. 'Kate, please...' 'No,' she spat, 'not going.' She forced one of her legs between mine, trapping me between her and the wall. Suddenly she was kissing me, hard and forceful, crushing my lips with hers and forcing her tongue into my mouth making me breathe through my nose. She pulled back slightly and I saw that her eyes were heavy and hooded; she was visibly very aroused and god, so was I. Her mouth was back on mine, so hard it was bruising and my wrists were released but only so she could use her hands to tear at my shirt, exploding the buttons and forcing it over my arms so I felt trapped once again. With my shirt removed, her hands reached for my bra, pulling so hard the clasp broke and soon that was pulled off. Her hands were instantly on my body pushing me back, with her fingers digging into my breasts. Her lips were on my neck, I could hear her breathing in sharp little sobs as she roughly kissed me, her hips locked against mine. I was struggling against her, horribly aroused and yet frightened and angry at my own inability to stop her. I managed to get a hand onto her arm to heave it away from my breast but she grabbed it again, her full weight against me, the grip on my wrist suddenly so painful it made me yelp. 'Jesus Kate, stop it, stop, stop...it! You're hurting me, please...' As quickly as she had begun, Kate stopped. A sudden realisation of what she was doing coupled with my anguished cry made her release me quickly and take a step back. She had a look of absolute horror on her face. I stood with my back against the wall, naked from the waist up, cradling my wrist in my hand with tears streaming down my face. With her hands clamped to her mouth and her lovely blue eyes wide with shock she backed up until she hit the bed and sat down abruptly. 'Sorry, sorry,' she whispered, staring down at her knees, her hands still covering her face. I stood and watched her while my breathing returned to normal. My heart ached for her, sitting so still, defeated, with her shoulders drooped. I loved her so much. I couldn't leave her feeling like this. I could understand her anger and her confusion; after all I was causing it. I crossed the room quickly and gently took her in my arms, cradling her head against my breast. She was rigid at first, her hands locked to her face, softly saying something that I couldn't understand. Gradually she uncurled her hands and I felt them moving around my waist hugging me too her. I stroked her hair and murmured soothing words. I couldn't stop my emotions though, I couldn't forget the fierce arousal her earlier actions has invoked and with her head nestled against my breasts I felt my nipples respond to her nearness. She did too, her face turned and nuzzled against me. As I looked down I saw her blond head and pale cheeks, and then her mouth nudging against me. 'Oh Kate, it's ok, it ok love,' I murmured. Her lips latched over my swollen nipple and an electric shock ran through my body making me gasp with the pleasure it caused. Kate moaned as she suckled me, finding comfort at my breast while my own body responded. I felt almost trapped by my desire and made a decision to break the contact. As I did so she looked up at me, her beautiful blue eyes gazing up and my resolve crumbled. Kneeling down in front of her I kept my eyes on hers as my hands grazed up the inside of her thighs, pushing them apart. Breaking eye contact with her, I stared at the blond hair between her legs and the wet pink flesh opening up before me. I dipped my head and gently pushed my tongue against her. I felt her shudder as I pushed through her folds and my lips caressed her clit; my tongue swirled around, touching and tasting. She was so quiet. Normally very vocal, I found her silence arousing and intriguing and used her ragged gasps as an indication of how close she was. She was leaning back, her hands supporting her on the bed when I felt the muscles in her legs contract and she was suddenly jerking against me, short gasping breaths accompanying the little thrusts her hips were making. I slowed my tongue and lips and she relaxed, her hands reaching down and finding mine. My head rested against her soft thigh while our hands entwined and we stayed still, just holding for what seemed like an age. Suddenly her hands left mine and flew to her hair. Kate's voice was high, close to tears, 'Alex, I'm sorry, I didn't want...I didn't mean to hurt you...' I only wanted to reassure her, to make her stop thinking she had done something wrong. So I started to shush her, and as my warm breath brushed her thigh she suddenly stiffened, her breath rushing out of her. 'Oh god, oh god Alex, you feel so good.' My lips brushed over her as she slumped back on the bed, her body stretching out as desire took hold again. I wanted so much to love her and to please her and at that moment I couldn't bear to leave her. So I let my fingers slide up her thighs again and then under her bottom. She shifted slightly to allow my hands under her and as she settled back down I pulled her body towards me. Her feet were now planted firmly on the floor and as my mouth brushed against her once again I felt her rise up on her toes slightly. I kissed her deeply, my tongue traced along her lips still wet from her earlier orgasm. I took my time and explored, enjoying the soft feel of her against my tongue and lips and loving the way her body writhed underneath me. I started a series of long slow licks the length of her satiny pussy stopping just short of her clit, avoiding contact. Each pass I made across her, I would allow my tongue to dip just slightly inside her. Her hips rose up to meet me wanting more contact and her breathing changed, becoming faster. She was moaning again, I loved the sounds she made; her voice always became deeper and husky, so very sexy. I pressed my fingers into the skin of her bum and pulled her towards me, sinking my tongue inside her and wriggling from side to side. With my lips pressed against her and my tongue deep inside I was lost in her; her warmth, her scent. Her hips were rocking against me, I wanted this moment to last but I wanted all of her. I pulled one hand from underneath her and reached up to her breast, finding her hard nipple and squeezing it firmly. 'Ohhhh, ohh, Al...Alex, oh please...please,' Kate struggled to speak, her words timed with her rocking hips and I knew she was totally immersed in the sensations her body was experiencing. My own arousal burned hard between my legs and I wondered if I might actually cum from listening to her. Feeling her need, I moved my lips to cover her clit encouraged by the strangled yelp she made. I let my tongue touch her lightly, stroking gently across the top of her clit with as much control I could manage. Her hips were now rocking so much I could barely hang on so I moved both my hands to her hips and pushed her back down onto the bed as I continued to lightly lash against her with my tongue. The effect was almost instant; she stiffened and howled and started to jerk uncontrollably against me again and again and again. Her sweet taste filled my senses and I moved my tongue to the side of her clit to ease the sensitivity, allowing her thrashing to gradually subside. My own knees were weak as I stood and looked down at her. She was limp and panting, her hands above her head and her eyes closed. I put my hands under her arms and pushed her fully onto the bed, covering her with the duvet and sliding my body next to hers. Kate reached for me, turning and snaking her arms around me. With no words I simply held her, my lips pressed against her hair, listening to her breathing becoming less ragged. Soon her breaths were deep and regular and the grip she had on me lessened; she was fast asleep. I held her warm sleeping body next to mine for about an hour and then slowly untangled myself from her. Picking up my ruined shirt and my packed bag and feeling almost numb with despair, I left. Some of it was easy. I coped with the physical things; the cooking, the cleaning, getting the kids ready for school. Being busy helped so much and I was a regular whirlwind of activity. At first, the kids were passive. They did what I asked them to do, ate what was put in front of them, went to school. My own work suffered of course, but with the help of sympathetic colleagues and long hours after the kids were in bed, I kept up. We developed into a routine and I was so tired and stressed that I almost believed the worst was over. Cracks started to appear. Emma, calm and quiet and never far from her sketch pad became withdrawn and would slump into tears at the slightest of things. Harry spent most of his spare time slouched in front of the TV or his laptop, sullen and hardly speaking. Poor little Connie, bemused and bewildered by the events life had thrown at her, retreated into herself and spent hours in her room, with her toys, in a little invented world. Kate would call, often. She never pushed or accused or started a fight over what I had done to us. She would ask questions and listen, offering advice when it seems needed. She would always tell me that she loved me. I would cry for hours after she had called, physically yearning for her. I began to hate the calls for the effect they had on me but at the same time cherished them for time spent with her. I know I was bad tempered and churlish with her but she persevered despite my moods. I can remember to the day when things started to change for the kids. I received a phone call from Connie's school requesting my immediate presence at the school. Instantly worried I was assured Connie was ok, but that the class teacher needed to see me urgently. I drove down there quickly and was intercepted by Donna, Connie's 'class mum', in the car park. Accidents Can Happen for a Reason Ch. 03 'You're here about Connie?' 'Yes, I have no idea what's going on, you know?' 'Erm, sort of,' Donna was struggling not to laugh, 'Apparently she tried to beat the snot out of one of the Year 5 boys.' 'She did what?' I was incredulous. 'I know, I shouldn't laugh,' and then she proceeded to. I was ushered into the classroom to find Connie perched rigidly on a chair. Her shoulders tense and her eyes defiant, she was the image of her mother but in that one moment her attitude reminded me so much of Kate that I almost burst out laughing myself. I listened to the teacher explain that fighting was very frowned upon, shouldn't happen again, but under the circumstances of our loss... I wasn't really listening, I have to admit. I settled Connie into the car; I was at a loss as to how to handle this so I decided to play it cool. 'He must have really pissed you off then?' 'Yes.' 'Well, did he do anything, what did he say?' 'He said gay people were stupid...' I looked at her in the rear view mirror, '...and I don't think they are!' She looked so small and fierce and righteous that I started to laugh. She did too, and soon I had to stop the car while we both giggled hysterically. Back home news of her notoriety had reached Emma and Harry. They were immensely proud of their wild cat of a little sister and made up all kinds of relatively complementary names for her. Suddenly, they were a family again and for them at least the pressure of living without their mum and dad eased a little. Harry (broken leg mended) was back playing football with his friends, Emma started to draw and carry her camera everywhere with her again. And Connie, well, she didn't beat up any more 11 year old boys at least. I missed Kate so badly. If I had thought it was bad to start with it only got worse. Our phone calls were less frequent now and I was too stupid or stubborn to call her. It felt so selfish to need the woman I had left and so I suffered in silence. Little things would set me off though. Once out shopping with Emma I burst into tears outside L'Occitane, where Kate spent a fortune on shampoo and body products. Another time, both Harry and Emma had decided to impress me with their cooking skills, but the Thai chicken they made was one of Kate's favourites and I struggled to enjoy it without her. The kids knew; they knew I missed her terribly, but they looked at me with sad eyes and very wisely said nothing. I have Maggie's mum, Cathy, to thank for bringing it all to a conclusion. It was Friday afternoon, and as usual Cathy had met with the kids after school and had taken them swimming. My day had started so badly. The post that morning had contained a letter from Kate. Inside were a large cheque and a short note. She was aware, she wrote, that she had been living rent free in my house for a few months and the cheque ought to cover any expenses. She made my world spin with one little piece of paper. I heard the kids arrive home and the clatter as they ascended the stairs. Cathy joined me in the large kitchen and I offered her a cup of tea. 'Something stronger maybe?' she replied. I poured us both a glass of wine and sat fiddling with the stem. 'I saw Kate last week,' she said suddenly and my head shot up. 'Oh really?' 'Mmm, I thought she looked thin, like you. When was the last time you saw her?' 'Well, I...' 'How long will you let this go on for?' she asked, setting her glass down. Before I could reply, her hands were on either side of my face and she continued. 'For goodness sake Alex, the children don't need another mother, they had one. You can't be a replacement for Maggie.' Her eyes were bleary, but she carried on. 'What they need is love and care and support, and you give them all of that. But they know what you've given up and it hurts them that you are so miserable.' 'But I can't have them and have her,' I replied, tears spilling. 'Says who?' 'Cathy it's so complicated and my step moth...' 'Your bloody step mother is a stupid arrogant bitch who's only happy when someone else's misery matches her own! She was all very righteous about you looking after the kids but she hasn't exactly helped you out much now you're on your own, has she?' I stared, eyes wide and open mouthed at her outburst, and she smiled gently at me. 'Well someone has to say it Alex. What you had with Kate was special; fix it love, before it's too late.' 'I don't know how.' 'Yes you do... and I'll help. The kids will spend the weekend with me and Bill, if you need time after that just let me know, but Alex, it's time to do something for yourself.' With that, she turned and yelled good naturedly up the stairs. Last to leave was Emma. She crossed the kitchen and gave me a quick hug. As she left, she dropped something onto the kitchen counter, 'Oh, found this, thought you might like it.' She left me with a photo. It had been taken a few years before in the South of France on holiday. I was deeply tanned and engaging in an animated discussion with an old lady in a market while I chose vegetables. Kate was standing next to me, smiling. The colours in the photo were amazing; the red tomatoes, the yellow apron covering the stall owner. What struck me the most were Kate's eyes, so startlingly blue and so very full of love. I grabbed my keys and was out of the door before I could change my mind. It was dark when I pulled up in front of my house. I saw Kate's car and noticed the hall lights were on. Struggling to overcome my nerves I approached the front door and rang the bell. It wasn't answered. I stood for a long time, summoning up the courage to try again before foolishly remembering that this was my house and I had a key. The kitchen and hall lights were on but the house was silent. Maybe she was out for a run I wondered, but then, she didn't she didn't usually like to run in the dark. Walking upstairs slowly, I was suddenly struck with an awful thought. Maybe she wasn't alone. Reaching the bedroom door and opening it slowly I realised where she was and what she was doing. The aroma of her bath oil filled the room and the air was warm. The bathroom door was shut and I looked around the bedroom while I found the courage to go in. Some of my perfume was on the dresser and my sweater still lay over the chair; it didn't look like she had moved a thing. Finally I opened the bathroom door, quietly calling out her name. 'Kate, it's me.' She looked up as I entered, her eyes widening but otherwise showing no emotion. The bath was full, topped with foamy white bubbles and she was reading a book, a glass of wine to hand. She looked beautiful. 'I rang the bell,' I stuttered, 'used my keys...' I trailed off feeling foolish as my prepared speech suddenly faded from view. I had a chance I thought, to make things better but felt incapable of finding the right words. Looking down at my feet, I nervously started to chew my lip. I was startled by the noise of her book hitting the bathroom floor and looked up to see her slowly sinking under the soapy water. She was submerged for a few long seconds before sitting up suddenly, water cascading from her blond hair. Wordlessly, she picked up a bottle of shampoo and offered it to me. I took it and kneeling at the side of the bath I proceeded to work the shampoo into lather through her hair. Her eyes closed and her head fell back as I carefully washed her blond curls; a wonderful intimate moment that offered me hope. She rinsed off a second time and this time as she surfaced she immediately stood. I reached out for a towel, but her hand stopped mine and held on to my arm for support as she stepped, streaming, from the bath. She was thinner, her wet body rosy from the water but toned and hard from exercise, almost shining in the bathroom's soft light. We looked at each other for a long time before she spoke, her voice very soft. 'I waited for you Alex, I waited such a long time.' 'I know, Katie I'm sorry. I was foolish and self absorbed and I...' 'You weren't those things; you were hurting and pressured and anyway, it doesn't matter.' 'It doesn't?' 'Is it too late, am I too late?' Suddenly I felt as though I was on the edge of a cliff. Her wet hand was suddenly on my face, her thumb tracing along my cheekbone. 'It's not too late Alex,' she said simply, 'I would have waited for ever. Do you know why?' I dumbly shook my head. 'Because you're the one Alex.' With a sob I was pressing against her, my hands hugging tightly around her naked back while the water from her body quickly soaked through my thin shirt. She hugged me back just as fiercely, her hands slipping into my hair to hold me securely against her. Her warm, damp cheek was against mine and at the same moment our heads turned seeking each other's lips. Gentle, soft, tentative; I had missed kissing her so badly my knees wobbled from the sheer delight of her closeness. Kate had always been able to kiss me into a state of ecstasy and proceeded to do so now. Her lips became firmer and I felt myself being pushed backwards towards the door. I was conscious of the water cooling on my face contrasting with the burning heat of her lips. Her tongue parted my lips and slid to the corner of my mouth, caressing and driving me wild. Our tongues met, touching and remembering and hers won out, searching deep into my mouth with her teeth lightly clashing with mine. The sexual tension between us rose palpably, I could hear my own little moans mix with hers and I was incredibly turned on. She left my mouth and her lips trailed down my neck, softly nipping at the sensitive skin while her hands lightly brushed the sides of my breasts. I felt like I was going to explode and was writhing under her touch. Kate broke the tension, 'Oh Alex, you're all wet.' 'I know, you used me as a towel.' 'Well I think we had better get you out of these wet clothes then.' I was virtually speechless as her amazing blue eyes locked with mine and her fingers slowly unbuttoned my shirt and dragged it out of my jeans. My belt was tugged open, the button and zip loosened and she was on her knees in front of me. Quickly losing my sneakers and socks I supported my hands on her shoulders as she pulled down my jeans and panties in one swift movement. She stood and turned me, standing behind me. I felt her warm breath on my neck and strong hands unclasp my bra as I leaned back against her. Her nipples were hard, pushing against me as she pressed her body to mine. I couldn't suppress a moan as her hands gently cupped my breasts; soft, smooth palms grazing across my hard, super sensitive nipples. Glorious sensations coursed through me; she was holding me, touching me, loving me again. Kate was kissing me shoulder, biting lightly while one hand circled down, across my trembling stomach. My eyes were closed and I lost myself to sensations. Her nails scraped lower, swirling through my dark curls making my knees weak with desire. I wanted her touch so badly. 'Open your eyes Alex. Watch!' I did. We were standing in front of the bathroom mirror. I saw myself. I saw a tall slim woman, with flushed cheeks, hard nipples and a paler hand disappearing between her legs. Oh god, it was so sensual to see it and feel it at the same time. 'I want you to see what I see,' Kate whispered, as her fingers spread me and lightly rubbed over my clit. 'Oh god Kate,' my head slumped back against her; the feelings she was invoking were overwhelming. 'Keep your eyes open Alex, keep them open and watch me love you.' 'Ok, ok I'm trying, but you feel...you feel so good, it's har...ohhhh...hard to keep them...mmm...open.' 'I'll always love you, I love you so much.' Her fingers moved slowly over me, I could see my wetness coating them and hear the little noises they made. I watched my hips rocking slightly and saw her hand covering my breast, possessing me. I bit my lip, groaning with frustration, knowing that if I could close my eyes and lose myself to the sensations I would climax quickly. 'You need to promise me something.' 'Yes, yes, anything.' 'You need to talk to me when things bother you. We're a couple, we're stronger together. Together Alex, we can handle anything.' Her words like her fingers caressed me. Like warm oil they soothed me and excited me, I could almost feel myself melting but the building pressure between my legs was becoming urgent. 'I know...I will...we are, ' I answered her promises as best I could before losing my battle to watch. My legs were beginning to tremble, I could feel the heat growing in my pelvis and I pushed my arms behind me and grabbed Kate's bum for support. I was soaking wet now and her fingers kept the same slow rhythmic pace over and around my clit. It was maddening and exhilarating; I had never wanted or needed to cum so badly. 'Kate,' I wailed,' I think, oh god, I'm gonna...' I never finished the sentence ...suddenly I was right there. The arching, trembling, sweet ecstasy; held for a long instant before the total loss of control. She kept her fingers moving as I jerked frantically against her and I was dimly aware of the high gasps I made that mirrored my movements. My legs turned to jelly but she supported me and just when I thought I might pass out she slowed and held on to me tightly. 'Oh god Kate, that was..., 'Can you walk?' 'No.' 'Ok,' she sounded so happy, so pleased with herself, 'then I'll drag you.' 'Where are we going?' 'Bed...I haven't finished with you yet.' The next morning I woke first and sat quietly watching her sleep. My body was warm and relaxed; languid, the feeling that comes after hours of sensual love making. She was sprawled on her back, arms above her head with the hint of a smile playing on her lips. I think I loved her more at that moment than ever before. What was it about her, I wondered; her strength, her certainty and more than anything her understanding. Beginning to wake, she stretched like a cat and then reached for me. 'Hi,' she said sleepily 'Hi.' 'What are you doing?' 'Looking at you, I missed you' 'I know... I missed you too. What happens now?' I paused, trying to find the right words to ask her, maybe beg her; that I wanted her and the kids. She felt me stiffen as I thought and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. 'Ok, how about I tell you what I would like to happen now,' she volunteered. I nodded. 'We talk to the kids and if everything is ok with them I pack up here and move in with you guys as soon as possible. After that we tell Cathy and Bill and...' she smiled, '...totally ignore anything your stepmother has to say on the subject.' 'Sounds perfect,' I replied with relief, 'but Kate, are you sure? I mean the kids...they're loud, energetic, disorganised and still very unsettled.' 'I'm sure they'll be thinking the same thing about me,' she quipped. 'Honestly Alex, we'll make it work. It might not be easy but we have to try.' 'I know. I love you.' Those captivating blue eyes held mine and the corners of her mouth lifted into a smile. 'Anyway, it will be worse for you,' she whispered, her mouth close to my ear and warmth breath sending shivers down my body. 'Why's that?' 'Well you are going to have to learn to be quiet when we're making love', she giggled, 'how about you start practising now?' Within a month we were settled. The kids delighted to have Kate once again a large part of their lives. Within three months, her influence on our lives was huge. She had Harry accompanying her on morning jogs without complaint. She bought Emma a puppy under the promise that she walked it twice a day; astonishing she did. And Connie? Connie was enrolled in a various self defence classes and quickly found that Judo was to her liking, Kate took her to every class. In truth, she was simply amazing. One night a few weeks ago as we were getting ready for bed, she handed me a box. Inside was a battered and rusty bell, from a bicycle. 'What is this?' I wondered. 'That,' she said, 'is the only thing I managed to salvage from my bike on the day I met you.' 'You kept it all this time...why?' 'Hmmm...as a reminder.' 'Of the accident?' 'Well, sort of. It's a reminder of the fact that I love you and I was lucky to find you. And possibly a reminder that sometimes, maybe, accidents can happen for a reason.' Accidents Can Happen for a Reason 'Don't stop Alex', she urged, her voice low and sexy, 'don't stop.' I felt it now, a large, warm, fuzzy ball of fire building in my pelvis. I couldn't have stopped even if I had wanted to and I pushed against her frantically, all control gone. It built slowly and kept rising. Somewhere in my mind I knew when it broke it would be huge 'Kate...Katie, ah....ahhhhhhhhhhhh' I moaned loudly as my back arched pulling my upper body away from hers, peeling away from her breasts. I was held in this taut position for seconds before my orgasm crashed on me causing me to thrash wildly against her. She held me tightly as I bucked, whispering words I couldn't hear as the blood rushed thru my ears. 'Oh god, Kate, that was...that was...', my words were lost as her mouth found mine and kissed me deeply, her tongue pushing against mine before drawing it into her mouth and sucking. Breaking off, she kissed down my neck and eagerly licked and sucked at my breasts. My nipples ached for her and she sucked them into her mouth hungrily, letting them pop out of her lips and nipping them gently with her small perfect teeth. My body reacted to her forceful mouth, becoming aroused once again so quickly it amazed me. She kissed down my tummy, circling my navel with her tongue before moving further down. 'Kate, wait', I cried 'I'm not ready.' 'Yes...yes you are.' She aggressively opened my legs wide and moved between them. She was urgent and her mouth was hot and hungry as she kissed my lips deeply. Her tongue probed and delved deeply inside of me, twirling against the slick walls as she pushed in and out. My arousal spiked again to new levels as her tongue fucked me with a passion and authority that could not be ignored. My hands flew to her head, holding her, loving the things she was making my body feel. She moved her tongue slowly thru my lips and began lapping over my super sensitive clit, making me jerk my hips and cry out wildly. Her hands slid under my bum lifting me slightly and I felt her fingers dig into my skin. My reason left me when she suckled on my clit and flicked it with her tongue. The orgasm building in me exploded and I was helpless as wild spasms shook my body. Kate held me throughout, slowing her tongue as I started to relax, kissing and licking me softly while my hands untangled themselves from the grip I had on the sheets. In no hurry she kissed her way back up my sweat covered body, pausing to place gentle little bites on both of my nipples. 'You were ready, I said that you were', her voice was soft in my ear 'I know, I know, that was...you were...amazing', I gasped She rolled onto her back and pulled me to her. I cuddled in close, my leg across hers and instinctively cupped her breast with my hand. We didn't talk, we just lay quietly, regaining our breath and enjoying the closeness. She caressed my hair gently with her fingers and planted the softest of kisses on my forehead. 'Alex?' 'Yes' 'Was that what you wanted?' Her voice sounded uncertain. 'Yes' my voice was a soft whisper. 'Would you...' she hesitated, 'would you like me to leave?' I rose up on one elbow and looked down at her, one finger tracing over the faint outline of the scar on her chin, 'No, I'd really like you to stay, would that be ok?' I saw the flash of her smile and the squeeze of her hands as she pulled me back into her embrace. 'I'd love to!' To be continued...