South of Heaven (17 page)
Lindsey nodded and waited for her to leave before stripping out of her wet clothes. She had begun to shiver, and used a towel to wipe the water from her skin. She then pulled out a pair of sweats, a T-shirt, and a pair of socks. Her hair was still damp, but she felt the chill leaving her body as she brushed her hair and teeth.
†
Kendra could feel her cheek swelling as she rested on her bed. Glad the glue seemed to be holding, she hoped with the support of the steri-strips, the swelling wouldn’t open the wound again. She winced when she lifted the bag of frozen peas to her face.
“Damn that hurts,” Kendra said aloud.
The ice and Ibuprofen should reduce the swelling. She hadn't actually received a blow to her head, so a concussion was not a danger, but she was pleased that Lindsey would be keeping her company. She grinned when she felt the frozen peas shift in the bag as her body heat warmed the bag.
I’ve got to remember to buy some real ice packs.
Lindsey knocked on her door.
“Come in,” Kendra called out.
Lindsey entered, carrying two cans of soda. “I wasn’t sure if you were thirsty.”
“Thanks.” She took a can from Lindsey. Holding the homemade ice pack with one hand, she began to struggle to pop the top on the can.
“Hang on, let me get that for you.” Lindsey opened the drink.
“Thanks again.”
Lindsey nodded and took a seat in a recliner next to the bed.
Kendra took a drink and smiled at Lindsey. “You know, I didn’t take a blow to my head, so there’s no need for concussion protocols to be followed.”
“I’ll leave if you want me to.” Lindsey began to stand.
“That’s not what I meant. I just don’t want you worrying about a concussion needlessly.”
“I agree. Your pupils are fine, and your cheek took the blow, so I don’t think there’s a problem with you sleeping if you want.”
“I’m glad you’re here to keep me company. It gets lonely in here sometimes and the storm doesn’t make it any easier.”
She watched Lindsey relax into the chair. The bag of peas was beginning to drip, getting her shirt wet. “I think this bag has done its job. Would you mind tossing them back in the freezer?”
“Not at all, would you like another bag? Maybe some carrots this time.”
“Sounds good.”
“I think I’ll make us something sweet. Do you have any preferences?”
“Surprise me.”
“Relax and I’ll be back soon. Do you want the television on?”
“Sure. Hand me the remote if you will. Oh, will you toss me a dry shirt? My peas got this one wet.” She pulled the shirt over her head. “Shirts are in the second drawer,”
Lindsey felt her mouth go dry, and her cheeks flush, as she watched Kendra hand her the shirt. She took it and quickly looked away, searching for a hamper as she walked to the drawers that held Kendra’s clothing.
Lindsey opened the drawer, pulled out a shirt, and turned to hand it to Kendra. “Will this one work?”
“That’s perfect.”
Lindsey watched as she raised the shirt over her head. Kendra’s skin was flawless and the muscles of her lean form were evident as she stretched the shirt over her body.
“All set?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“I’ll be back soon. Call out for me if you need anything.”
“I’m just going to relax and watch some television,” Kendra replied taking the remote in hand.
Lindsey saw Kendra’s eyes getting heavy as the medication began to relax her. Kendra was already asleep before she could leave the room.
†
Lindsey walked into the galley and turned the oven on to preheat. She had brownies on her mind and mixed up the batter while the oven heated. She checked the freezer and smiled when she saw a carton of vanilla ice cream. “Brownie sundaes here we come,” she whispered.
The winds had calmed, so Lindsey decided to take a look around outside during what she knew would be a short break in the weather. After placing the brownies in the oven, she cracked the galley door open to find that even the rain was taking a break, and she slipped outside closing the door quietly. The dense darkness made it impossible to see much beyond the deck, but on board, everything looked to be in good condition.
Back in the galley, Lindsey checked the timer on the stove, and then walked back to the captain’s cabin to check on Kendra. She was sleeping peacefully with her hand still clutching the remote. Kendra was wearing a smile and Lindsey wondered what she was dreaming to bring about the smile. Her cheek was beginning to turn an ugly, deep purple as the bruising began. It had terrified her when Kendra had looked up at her with blood streaming down her face.
Now she felt relief that the wound wasn’t any more serious than it was. Kendra had been lucky, she could have just as easily have lost her eye. She would have a scar to carry with her for a long time, and it promised to be painful to smile for a few days, but she would heal. Lindsey watched as Kendra released a deep breath with a sigh and shifted on the bed. Satisfied that Kendra was okay, she returned to the kitchen.
The timer was flashing a five-second warning as she reached down to shut it off. She removed the fragrant brownies to cool on the counter for several minutes. Her mouth was watering as she filled two glasses with ice, poured milk into them, and then placed them on a tray with napkins and spoons. Losing patience to allow them to fully cool, she cut the pan of brownies in quarters and used a spatula to place the slabs into bowls. She felt the smile growing on her face as she scooped two portions of ice cream over the brownies and drizzled chocolate syrup to finish the dessert.
She carried the tray full of the sumptuous treats into Kendra’s cabin and placed it on a bedside table. Kendra was still sleeping peacefully and, for a moment, Lindsey contemplated not waking her. As she sat down on the edge of the bed, Kendra’s eyes began to flutter and then opened.
She smiled up at Lindsey and then winced. “I was having a terrific dream about brownies.”
Lindsey returned her smile. “You must have smelled them cooking while you slept.” She reached over for a bowl.
Kendra pushed herself up on the bed when she saw the bowl Lindsey had in her hand. “That looks sinfully good.”
“I hope you enjoy it. Be careful, the brownie may still be hot. I couldn’t wait any longer. They just smelled too good to wait.”
“I agree with you, let’s try it,” Kendra replied.
“This one’s yours.” Lindsey grinned and handed her the bowl.
“All mine?”
“All yours, I promise.”
Kendra took a bite of the luscious dessert. “Oh my goodness, you’ve outdone yourself with this one,” she cried. “Oh, and iced milk too? Are you sure you weren’t peeking into my dream?”
Chuckling, Lindsey shook her head. “No, I just thought it’d be a good combo.”
“This is so good,” Kendra groaned.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
The flickering of the television screen caught her attention. “Damn, that’s one big storm.”
Lindsey turned her head to look at the screen. “She almost fills up the Gulf.”
The colorful projection cone flashed on the screen. “Looks like she’ll make landfall east of us,” Kendra predicted. “That’s a relief, but we’ll still get her rains and winds.”
Lindsey picked up the tray with the emptied dishes. “Do you need anything else while I’m in the kitchen?”
“I couldn’t even dream of eating another bite.” Kendra grinned.
“I’ll be right back.”
Kendra fluffed the pillows on the bed as Lindsey left the room.
Kendra was channel surfing when Lindsey returned to the cabin and took a seat in the recliner. “Is there anything you’d like to watch?”
“Something with action.”
“Oh yeah, here we go,” Kendra cheered as a car chase filled the screen.
“Perfect.”
“Not quite.”
Lindsey looked at her with curiosity. “What else do you need?”
Kendra patted the bed. “For you to get comfortable.”
Lindsey kicked off her shoes and eased onto the bed.
“There. Now this is perfect. Thanks.”
“My pleasure,” Lindsey managed to say. Her heart was racing as she tried to relax, her body so close to the woman who had stolen her heart. She could feel the warmth of Kendra’s thigh next to hers, as she struggled to concentrate on the movie. Their bodies were so close, she feared moving. She wasn’t sure how she could conceal her excitement if more of their bodies were touching.
Kendra’s hand drifted over to her thigh as they pretended to watch the movie. Lindsey trembled under her touch. She looked over and locked eyes with Kendra.
“Are you cold? You had quite a chill earlier.” Lindsey could hear the genuine concern in her voice.
Lindsey closed her eyes, to prevent Kendra seeing the excitement in them. “No, I’m not cold,” she answered between gritted teeth.
Kendra’s face blossomed into a mischievous grin before what looked like a pain-filled grimace filled her face.
“Stretch out with me then,” Kendra said.
Lindsey was afraid her heart would pound its way out of her chest, but she scooted down on the bed, flat on her back, with her left arm tucked under her head. She looked over at Kendra to find she had turned onto her side and was smiling at her.
Kendra gently placed a hand on her shoulder and Lindsey could feel her body trembling beneath the touch.
“Lindsey?”
Lindsey feared her teeth would chatter since she was trembling so uncontrollably. “I’m listening.” She fought her body for control.
“I want us to make love tonight.” Kendra waited a few seconds and then reached up with her right hand and let her fingertips trail down Lindsey’s jaw.
Lindsey skin burned with excitement beneath Kendra’s caress. “There’s not a fiber in my body that doesn’t want you right now,” she admitted.
“That’s all I need to know.” Kendra leaned down to brush her lips across Lindsey’s jaw up to her lips.
Their first kiss was soft, as Kendra’s lips and tongue explored Lindsey. She nibbled on her lower lip and Lindsey let out a soft moan. “There’s not a fiber in your body, I don’t want right now,” Kendra whispered.
“Oh, Kendra, I’m about to explode just from a kiss. I’m all yours,” Lindsey whispered back.
Kendra reached over and turned off the lamp, leaving the cabin illuminated by only the muted television. Her hand had crept under Lindsey’s shirt as they kissed, and the soft, warmth of her skin beckoned her. “I need to be naked with you,” she breathed against her skin.
“Undress me,” Lindsey requested, and then sat up in the bed.
Kendra lifted the shirt over her head and tossed it onto the chair. “You are so beautiful,” she whispered against Lindsey’s skin as her lips kissed across her shoulder to her neck. The fingertips of her left hand traced down Lindsey’s spine, causing her to shudder with desire. “We really must get you some relief,” she teased as she lowered Lindsey back onto the bed. “Lift your hips for me.”
Lindsey was beginning to doubt she had any control left over her body, but managed to lift her hips to allow Kendra to push her sweats down her body. With Kendra’s help, the pants ended up in the chair, leaving her naked, vulnerable to the hungry look in Kendra’s eyes.
Kendra’s face lit up with a smile as her eyes landed on the tattoo several inches below her navel, which spelled “Heaven.” She chuckled as her fingertips traced the black letters inked into the soft skin. “What’s this all about? I’ve been wondering what the ink was since I first caught a glimpse of it.”
“Being too drunk and stupid to resist a dare on our senior trip to Daytona Beach,” Lindsey admitted.
Kendra’s eyes devoured every inch of Lindsey’s body. Her breasts were small, but beautifully rounded, her nipples erect, begging for attention. Her stomach rippled with muscles, and her mound of carefully trimmed blond curl glistened with moisture. She felt her tongue run over her lips as she ached to kiss and taste every inch of what she saw.
“Well I have to say, the tattoo is very fitting. Your body is like a piece of heaven dropped to earth.”
Lindsey blushed and tugged at the hem of Kendra’s shirt, and was pleased when she reached behind her head and pulled it off. Then Kendra laid back on the bed and removed her shorts before turning back on her side. When she looked into Lindsey’s face, the look of tenderness took away her breath.
Kendra placed a knee between Lindsey’s legs to spread them as she draped her leg over her. She felt her hand trembling as she reached out to caress the supple mound of Lindsey’s breast, and her breath caught in her throat when her fingers touched the erect nipples.
Lindsey could feel the wetness of Kendra’s excitement on her leg. She reached over to guide Kendra on top of her and thought she would faint with the pleasure that roared through her. She carefully buried her hand in Kendra’s hair, and softly drew her face down for a kiss.
Kendra moved her hips slightly as their kiss grew more passionate, and she was delighted that their bodies molded together so perfectly. She could feel the vibration of Lindsey’s moan in her mouth from the slight movement, so she began to slowly roll her hips. Lindsey’s response was immediate, as she reached down to cup her ass, as her hips gently rolled, bringing them both pleasure.
Lindsey broke the kiss and her excited body was near erupting. “Just a little firmer,” she whispered into Kendra’s ear as she buried her face in her neck.
The sound of her voice trembling with need was all the encouragement Kendra needed as she began grinding her hips into Lindsey.
“Oh hell yes, Kendra,” Lindsey cried as she convulsed with pleasure, sending Kendra tumbling over the edge with her, their bodies moving together in unison as they climaxed together.
Kendra lifted herself up on her arms and looked into Lindsey’s eyes. “Now I’m going to have my way with you.”
“Anything you wish, my captain,” Lindsey teased as she struggled to calm her breathing.
“I think it’s time for me to have a taste south of heaven,” she suggested.
Lindsey moaned with anticipation.
Kendra planted soft kisses over her eyes and face before moving down to her neck. She took her time, breathing in the scent of Lindsey as she explored her lover’s body with tenderness and curiosity. She made mental notes of how Lindsey reacted as she kissed and caressed her way down until she rested comfortably between Lindsey’s thighs. She reached up with her right hand to trace the letters of the tattoo.
Lindsey feared she would explode from the soft caress of Kendra’s fingers across her skin, and felt her muscles begin to quiver with excitement.
She glanced up into Lindsey’s face to find her watching closely as she gently opened her silky folds, gently probing her wetness with her tongue, lapping upward to softly stroke across her swollen clit. Kendra’s hand moved to gently squeeze her left nipple, as she covered Lindsey’s clit, sucking it into her mouth.
Lindsey threw her head back, her hands clawing at the bed linens, as she struggled for control. Kendra teased her body expertly, urging her excitement higher than she’d ever been before, beyond her control, and a cry ripped from her body. “Yes, Kendra,” she nearly screamed as her juices flooded her lover’s face.
Kendra crawled back into her arms and held her as tears of joy flowed down Lindsey’s cheeks. No words were necessary between them for several long minutes.
When Lindsey’s tears subsided, Kendra rolled onto her side next to her, still cuddling close.
“That was perfection,” Lindsey finally spoke.
Kendra’s laughter filled the cabin, until she grimaced and reached for her damaged cheek. Her fingers met wetness, and when she brought them down, she saw them covered in blood.
“Oh my God,” Lindsey cried and grabbed her shirt.
“I’m okay. I think I laughed too hard, and broke the seal on the glue.”
“Here, use this while I get the first aid kit.” Lindsey handed her the shirt and then climbed from the bed. She started toward the galley and grinned as she felt a weakness in her legs from all the recent exertion. It had been a long time since a woman had left her body physically drained.
Returning, she opened the kit and pulled out sterile pads to clean the wound. Kendra was right, the outer end of the wound had broken open. She opened the glue to reseal the wound, and used fresh steri-strips to stabilize the skin.
“There, now no more laughing,” said.
She closed the kit and dropped the used items in the trash. “Do you need anything?”
“Are there any brownies left?”
Lindsey smiled. “Yes, ma’am, would you like ice cream too?”
“No, just a big brownie, a glass of iced milk, and a couple Ibuprofen.” She was still holding the now bloodied shirt. “You might want to go ahead and pre-treat this so the blood will wash out.” She handed her the shirt.
“I’ll be back in a few,” Lindsey said slipping into her sweats.
She went to her bunk and pulled out a clean shirt, slipping it over her head, and then sprayed the bloodied shirt before returning to the galley.
Damn, I can’t believe this is really happening.
She found herself smiling as she pulled out the carton of milk. She poured the milk, then picked up the plate with the last of the brownies, and carried them back to the cabin.
“Here we go.” She sat in the recliner, and handed her a glass of milk.
Kendra picked up a brownie and took a large bite. “Thanks, these really hit the spot.”
“Damn, I’ll be right back.” Lindsey went into the bathroom to retrieve the Ibuprofen.
“Thanks again. You’re a great nurse maid,” Kendra said before downing the pills.
“I’ve had lots of practice growing up on a shrimp boat.”
“I hear ya.”
Lindsey glanced up to see that Kendra had changed the television back to the Weather Channel, for the hurricane coverage. “Any changes?” she asked.
“She’s dropped wind speed, so she’s back to a Category 2, and she’s moving faster, so hopefully as soon as she makes landfall, she’ll drop strength fast.”
“That’s great news.” She popped the last bite of brownie into her mouth, just as the phone rang. Lindsey handed Kendra the phone. “I’m going to check on the deck.”
Kendra nodded, and answered the phone, “Hey, Dad.”
†
Lindsey walked into the galley and pulled on a slicker before stepping outside and turning on the flashlight. The rain was falling, but not as hard as earlier, as she checked the security of the equipment. When she glanced over the railing she saw the beacon of the other shrimp boat several hundred yards away.
“Plenty distance between us,” she spoke to the wind.
A look up in the sky found a near full moon, clouds pregnant with rain rushing past it as the winds were coming in from the northeast.
These would be the feeder bands directly from the storm
. She knew they would only grow stronger as she walked back to the galley.
Stripping out of the slicker, she decided to load their dishes into the dishwasher to give Kendra a few more minutes of privacy to talk with her dad. When she finished, she returned to the cabin to find Kendra nodding off.
Kendra’s head snapped up. “Will you come snuggle with me?” she asked.
Lindsey kicked off her shoes and started for the bed.
Kendra smiled at her. “Can you lose those clothes?”
Lindsey undressed and climbed in beside her.
“Thanks. I want to feel your skin next to mine. Can I spoon you?”
“Absolutely.” Lindsey grinned and turned onto her side.
Kendra snuggled into her back and draped an arm over Lindsey’s waist. “You comfy?”
“Very much so.” She covered Kendra’s hand with her own. She felt Kendra’s warm breath on her neck and then a soft purring as she drifted off to sleep.
Yeah, this must be what heaven feels like
she remembered thinking before sleep overtook her.
Hours later, the rocking of the boat intensified, waking Lindsey. Kendra had rolled over onto her back, so Lindsey crept out of the bed and walked into the wheelhouse. She sat down in the captain’s seat and brought up the weather screen.
The winds had increased dramatically. “No wonder the boat’s rocking.” The latest satellite image showed that Dani was just a few miles from land, so the worst would hopefully be over by mid-afternoon at the latest. She sensed movement in the room and turned to see Kendra. “Did I wake you?”
“No, the bed got cold without my heater.” She smiled and sat in Lindsey’s lap. “What’s it looking like? It’s really rocking out there.” Her hand began playing in Lindsey’s hair.
“She’s almost made landfall. We’ve had gusts up to ninety with sustained winds at seventy-five,” Linsey reported.
“Too risky to go outside so let’s go back to bed. I’ll let you cook me breakfast when we wake up.” Kendra grinned.
“You have a deal.”
Kendra stood and took her hand.
Back in Kendra’s quarters, Lindsey was lying flat on her back, with Kendra’s head on her shoulder, when the winds began to howl around the boat.
†
When they woke next, the wind had died down. They scrambled to dress and get out on deck to check the boat while they had a short reprieve from the winds. It was past sunrise, but the brilliant rays that normally welcomed them were nowhere on the horizon. The clouds were a lighter shade of gray, but still too dense to allow the rays to burn through. A strange mist floated above the water as Lindsey stood at the railing, gazing across to where she had last seen the other boat. There was no sign of a beacon.
Kendra walked up behind Lindsey and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. “Eerie looking, isn’t it?”
“Like something out of a sci-fi movie.” Kendra’s lips brushed against her neck, causing Lindsey to shiver with anticipation. “Last night was beautiful,” she whispered.
“Yes, it was.”
An explosion caught their attention as a bright green flash penetrated the gray from the shoreline.
“What the hell?” Lindsey yelled.
“A transformer just exploded. They light up like green lightning when they become overloaded,” Kendra explained. A second, then a third transformer exploded in the distance. “I think that’s our cue to move back inside. The winds are returning.”
Lindsey turned in her arms and kissed her softly. “I did agree to cook you breakfast.” She grinned as she took her hand, to lead her toward the galley.