Stolen Moments Ch. 01

"Do you like what you see?" Nicole asked softly.

"You know I do."

Nicole smiled seductively, as she slipped off her negligee. As soon as the lingerie hit the floor, Cynthia practically pulled her on to the bed. Nicole started to remove her heels, but Cynthia stopped her.

"Leave them on. It's sexy." She murmured softly. She slid between Nicole's legs.

The first time Nicole was with Cynthia, she was worried and extremely self-conscious about having Cynthia perform oral sex on her. Her husband did it all the time, but he was a man. There was something about having a woman do it, made Nicole uncomfortable the first time. That feeling was multiplied when Nicole returned the favor for Cynthia, because she was convinced she wouldn't do it right.

Fortunately, Cynthia was patient and understanding, and what Nicole lacked in experience, she more than made up for in effort. Nicole soon found that she loved Cynthia's body. She also loved, absolutely loved, sex with Cynthia. The initial feeling of awkwardness vanished quickly, leaving only lust and pure desire in its wake. Nicole and Cynthia had explored each other's bodies over the last several months and they still barely kept their hands off of one another.

Nicole knew she could satisfy Cynthia and she relished every opportunity to get naked with her girlfriend and prove it.

Magic. Cynthia's tongue is magic...

Nicole writhed in pleasure on the bed as Cynthia coaxed a massive orgasm out of her. As the orgasm built within her, Nicole tried hard to keep her moans from becoming screams. Slowly, inexorably, the orgasm approached like a tidal wave. Nicole was forced to grab a pillow and cover her face when it finally exploded within her. She lost the battle to be quiet and screamed into the pillow as pleasure rippled through her body. When she finally removed the pillow from her face, gasping for air, she found Cynthia lying next to her smiling.

"My turn." Nicole said eagerly. She pushed Cynthia onto her back.

She didn't dive between Cynthia's legs immediately. Nicole wanted to savor the moment and she loved Cynthia's body too much to focus on one area. Nicole lovingly caressed Cynthia's breasts and ran her tongue over her nipples several times. The taste of Cynthia's skin was intoxicating. Finally, Cynthia couldn't take it any longer. She guided Nicole's head between her legs. Nicole ran her entire tongue over Cynthia's lips, enjoying the texture, taste and smell of her lover.

Barely a second later, it happened. Nicole lost herself. The pleasure of making love to Cynthia was overpowering for Nicole. Everything around her, ceased to exist and she used Cynthia's moans and body movements to guide her actions. Nicole focused completely on bringing pleasure to her girlfriend.

Cynthia's own orgasm burst within her a few minutes later, equally powerful, although Cynthia didn't need a pillow to muffle her screams. Nicole moved up and lay next to her, as Cynthia recovered. Normally, Nicole and Cynthia spent more time, enjoying each other's bodies, but their lust and desire for each other today was too strong. Jason could wake up at any moment as well, so they didn't have the luxury of unlimited time. Their hunger for one another had been overwhelming and they finally got a chance to release their pent up sexual energy. Nicole slipped off her stripper heels and cuddled up next to Cynthia.

Nicole was shorter than Cynthia by about 5 to 6 inches, so when they spooned, Cynthia normally held her. She loved the feel of Cynthia's arms around her and her breasts pushing into her back. Nicole never considered herself a lesbian, but as she lay in her lovers arms, she wondered why she would ever leave the comfort of Cynthia's embrace.

I love being with Cynthia, but am I in love with her? Nicole asked herself.

She didn't have an answer.

* * *

"Mom!" April yelled as Nicole walked in the door. Her youngest daughter ran over to her. She gave her a big hug. "I missed you."

"Oooof." Nicole barely managed to stay upright, as April wrapped her arms around her. "I missed you too kiddo." She picked up her daughter. "Wow, you're getting big."

Nicole carried April into the living room, where she set her back down on the couch. She sat down next to her and they watched TV together. "Where is everyone?" Nicole asked.

"Uhh. Dad's playing golf with Collin and Jasmine's upstairs in her room." April replied without taking her eyes off the TV. "Jasmine had a sleepover or a pajama party last night. She just got back this morning."

Nicole hugged her daughter. "I remember. I'm going to go up and check on her. You ok down here?"

"Yea mom."

Nicole dropped her purse off on the counter. She'd left Cynthia and Jason shortly after lunch on Sunday and she was home an hour later. It was nice having Cynthia so close, but she agreed with Cynthia that they never seemed to have enough time together.

"Stolen moments." She murmured to herself.

She knocked softly at Jasmine's door and smiled as she heard her daughter's voice. "Come in, Mom."

"How'd you know it was me?" She asked.

"You're the only one who knocks." Jasmine replied simply. "Dad always call out before he enters. April just barges right on in." She smiled at her mom. "You're the only one who knocks and I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome Honey. How was the sleep-over?"

"It was great. We scarfed on pizza, followed by ice cream and spent the night doing our nails and talking about boys." Jasmine laughed. "It was a lot of fun."

"I'm glad honey." Nicole winked at her daughter. "Did you talk about any guy in particular, or just guys in general?"

Jasmine hesitated. "Um. Mostly we just talked about guys in general." A blush filled her cheeks as she answered. She looked down at her lap.

"Honey. It's ok if you like a guy." Nicole leaned forward. "It's perfectly natural at your age."

"Actually mom, I'm more attracted to girls." Jasmine said softly.

Nicole's mouth dropped open. "What?"

Jasmine laughed. "Mom. I was just kidding."

Nicole and Jasmine laughed and Nicole playfully slapped her daughter's arm. When they finally stopped laughing, Nicole smiled warmly at Jasmine.

"I see you have your father's sense of humor." Jasmine shrugged and rolled her eyes. Nicole winked at her daughter. "Seriously though Jasmine, if you did decide you like other women, it would be ok with your dad and me. We love you. Your choice of partners is up to you."

Jasmine nodded and hugged her mom briefly. Nicole smiled at her. "So, is it a guy or a girl."

"It's a guy." Jasmine replied and her blush returned.

"Awesome."

"Really?" Jasmine looked at Nicole hopefully. "Are you sure you and dad won't freak out?"

Nicole laughed. "Your dad will probably freak out, but that's normal for dads. I'll handle him." She took her daughters hand. "So who's this guy?"

"His name's Logan." Jasmine said softly. "He's soooo cute and we had a few classes last year. He's going to the same high school as me next year."

"Hmmmm. Logan. Nice name." Nicole said. "Does he know you think he's cute?"

Jasmine shook her head. "No. We were lab partners together, but that's it. Honestly, I don't think he knows I exist."

"Ahhh." Nicole replied. "Yea guys can be really self-absorbed. Is there any way I can help? Anything I can do?"

Jasmine looked at her mom and hesitated. "It's ok Jasmine." Nicole assured her.

"Well, can I go to the mall this weekend?" Jasmine asked. "Logan works at the mall, some athletic store, and I thought I could...y'know...run into him."

"Absolutely honey." Nicole patted her leg. "Do you want to go together or do you want to go with your friends?"

"Can I go with you, Mom?" She asked. "My friends don't really know how I feel and if I went with my friends, it could be awkward. Besides, I wanted some new running shoes anyway."

"Yes. You and I will have a girl's day." Nicole smiled at her daughter. "Just give me a sign, if you need some space, and I'll disappear."

Jasmine hugged her mom tightly. "You're the best."

"Thank you baby."

"How's Cynthia by the way?" Jasmine asked.

Jasmine was aware of her mom's relationship with Cynthia. She was too young for details, but she knew that her mom and Cynthia were close friends. Nicole and Nick had decided not to hide anything from Jasmine, but they also were extremely careful that nothing physical or inappropriate happened when the kids were home. It was a delicate balance between making sure Jasmine had age-appropriate knowledge and not over-doing it. Nick and Nicole decided to err on the side of providing Jasmine information, rather than trying to keep everything from her.

Only time would tell, if that approach was the right one.

Now that Jasmine was going to be a freshman in High School, she was getting more interested in boys. Nicole knew it was only a matter of time before Jasmine started dating.

Nick will love that.

"Cynthia's great honey and she says 'hi', by the way." Nicole replied.

Jasmine nodded. "Say 'hi' for me next time you see her. Hey, I wanted to ask Cynthia something, but I wanted to see if you're ok with it first. I was thinking about going out for cheerleading in High School mom. Do you think Cynthia would give me some pointers?"

"Sure honey. I think Cynthia would be happy to help you with Cheerleading." Nicole paused. "I'll ask her the next time we talk."

Jasmine practically glowed at Nicole's response. "Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome Honey." Nicole leaned forward and kissed her daughter's forehead. She walked to the door. "Are you hungry?"

"Not right now. Thanks."

Nicole walked into her bedroom. She changed into a pair of old sweats and t-shirt. She lay back on the bed, letting her mind wander back over the weekend.

I love spending time with Cynthia and I do want to see her more often, Nicole thought. But is that fair to Cynthia? Is it fair to Nick?

Nicole evaluated her feelings for Cynthia, letting her mind play Devil's Advocate.

She loves you Nicole.

I know. I've never felt this way about a woman. I can't imagine not having her in my life. I can't wait to see her and she's always in my thoughts.

Do you love her?

I don't know! I'm confused dammit. I'm married. I do love my husband and I have great kids.

Do you love Cynthia? It's a simple question.

I don't know! If I do love her, what does that mean? Do I leave Nick? Leave my kids? I don't even have a job, what could I offer her? Is that even what she wants? Cynthia's never talked about anything more than seeing each other more often.

"Hey gorgeous." Nick's voice interrupted her internal battle and Nicole jerked in surprise.

Her husband, Nick, walked into the room and stood next to the bed, smiling down at her. He was wearing a polo, shorts and a golf visor. He looked good. Happy. Relaxed. Handsome.

"Sorry, I startled you." He said. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you."

Nicole slid off the bed. She gave her husband a big hug. She inhaled deeply, because she loved his scent and his cologne. Nick had been working out for almost a year straight now and his body was firm and hard. It felt great.

"It's ok Nick. I missed you as well." Nicole stepped back and followed her husband into the closet, where he started changing. "How was golf? Did Collin beat you?"

Nick laughed. "No. You wouldn't believe how much it pisses him off. He's getting better though and he'll probably beat me in the near future."

"How did things go with your prospective client?" She asked.

Nick and Collin conducted a lot of business over golf and today's round of golf was with a prospective client.

"Excellent." Nick replied. "He signed with Collin and he also agreed to let me look at his insurance program. The guy has a lot of property and several franchises, so if I can get him to move his business to our firm, it will be a nice win."

"That's awesome honey." Nicole replied. "I'm happy things are going so well."

Nick changed into an old pair of shorts and a new t-shirt. He smiled at his wife. "Business is excellent. I'm actually surprised our business is doing so well. I expected us to suffer and work like dogs to make ends meet, but the opposite has happened." He admitted. "Collin and I are considering expanding our staff even more. We really need a solid salesperson, who's good with people and can handle the real estate portion of our business."

Nick looked at Nicole meaningfully for a moment.

"Honey, I'm not sure Cynthia's comfortable with the idea of working for you and Collin." Nicole replied. "She asked me to stop bringing it up Nick. She likes her independence."

Nick shook his head. "Ugh. She's perfect."

"I know baby, but she feels it's too awkward to work with my husband and my former lover. I'm not sure I blame her either."

Nick slid his hand into Nicole's and they walked out to the kitchen, where Nick checked the fridge. He picked a bottle of wine, opened it and then started putting dinner together. He poured a glass of wine for Nicole, then served it to her with a smile. Nick and Nicole had been married for almost 17 years and Nicole knew when her husband had something on his mind. She sipped her wine and waited for him to share his thoughts.

"Nicole, what if Cynthia didn't work for us?" Nick asked after a minute. He was chopping celery, so he didn't look up when he asked the question.

"What do you mean?"

Nick set down his knife, then scooped the celery into a small bowl. He set it aside, retrieved an onion and started slicing it as well. He spoke as he sliced the onion.

"Well the Real Estate portion of our business will really be a collection of operations. We'd like to be able to help our clients purchase real estate, but also handle the property management and the mortgage operations as well. So when we talk about real estate, we really mean Real Estate, Property Management and Mortgage operations."

"Ok. So wouldn't Cynthia still work for you two?"

"No necessarily." Nick finally stopped slicing the onion and looked over at Nicole. "We could structure it so that Cynthia would be a partner in the business." He paused. "We'd have to work out a partnership agreement and it's likely her portion of the partnership would be fairly small, but she'd be a partner, not an employee."

"She wouldn't be an equal partner?" Nicole asked.

"In terms of running her own business, yes. She'd be an equal partner." Nick paused. "In terms of revenue sharing, she'd get a smaller portion of the revenues." Nick saw Nicole's reaction and held out his hands. "Wait, just hear me out."

"Collin and I both put up $250k to start this business." Nick reminded Nicole. "We split the revenue's 50/50 right now and if either of us receives a bonus from the companies we deal with; we share that as well." He paused. "Cynthia would essentially be running a start-up operation. We'd send her clients and she'd be responsible for growing that part of the business. I'm pretty sure Collin would agree to Cynthia keeping all revenues or bonuses from that portion of the business."

Nick went back to slicing the onion.

"Nicole, for all intents and purposes, Cynthia would be her own boss." He smiled at his wife. "You could work with her if you wanted. Help her grow the business. The door is always open for you and you know Cynthia will need help with learning the real estate side of the business."

"Collin's ok with this approach?" Nicole asked.

"Yep." Nick replied. "We discussed it and both of us really like Cynthia. That's a key factor for both of us, because we don't want to bring in a stranger. Cynthia's also extremely good at her job."

"How do you know that?" Nicole asked.

Nick smiled. "Collin spoke to a Corporate Recruiter in Dallas and Cynthia has an excellent reputation in her field. She's apparently won several awards for producing business and several companies have been trying to steal her away from her current employer."

"Wow." Nicole took a sip of her wine. "I'm not sure how Cynthia will about you and Collin researching her."

"We didn't pry into her private life Nicole." Nick replied quickly. "The information the recruiter provided is all public information and it's the same type of evaluation a rival company would conduct to find a new employee." Nick shrugged. "Besides, we thought it was important that Cynthia understand were interested in her, because of her business acumen and professional performance. The fact that she's your girlfriend wasn't and isn't a relevant factor."

"I see." Nicole said quietly and sipped her wine in silence for a few minutes. "Do you want me to talk to her again?"

"No." Nick replied. "Cynthia agreed to have lunch with Collin and me, the next time she's in San Antonio. We'll talk to her about it then. I just wanted you to know what we were thinking. It would be great if we could get you both to run the Real Estate department. We could work out a salary for you and you could make your own schedule."

"We'll see honey." Nicole replied.

Nick stopped slicing and looked at his wife. "I love you."

Nicole looked at her husband. "I love you too honey." She glared at him playfully, before finishing her glass of wine. "I love you, but I also have a bone to pick with you. Why didn't you tell me about the vacation Cynthia was planning?"

"She told you?" Nick asked with a sly smile.

"Jerk." Nicole replied.

Nick scooped the onions into a separate bowl, then grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. He walked over and sat down next to Nicole.

"Honey. Cynthia asked me to keep it to myself, until she could talk to you about it. I wasn't comfortable at first, but she told me she'd ask you this weekend, so it wasn't like I kept the secret for several weeks." Nick tilted his beer bottle and took a sip. "Besides, I like and respect Cynthia, and your relationship with her."

Nicole smiled warmly at her husband.

Nick reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "It didn't seem like a big deal and you deserve a vacation. The girls will be at summer camp and I have to travel to Vegas during that week anyway, so you'll be here by yourself, if you don't go."

"So you're ok, if I go on vacation with Cynthia?" She asked.

"Yes." Nick replied. "Although will you answer a question for me?"

"Sure honey."

"Are you going to leave me for Cynthia?" Nick asked quietly. "I'm serious honey. I see how happy you and Cynthia are together." Nick sipped his beer again. "Just like with Collin, I worry that you'll be happier with someone else."

Nicole stared at her husband. It was obvious he was worried. Nick struggled with her relationship with Collin and now he was starting to struggle with her relationship with Cynthia. She reached over and touched her palm to his cheek.

"No." She replied softly. "I'm not going to leave you for Cynthia."

Relief cascaded through Nick's face and his entire body seemed to relax. "Good. I'm glad to hear that honey." He started to stand up, but Nicole reached out and stopped him.

"Nick. I'm not going to leave you for Cynthia, but I do want to be honest with you." She took a deep breath. "My feelings for Cynthia are growing. I don't know what that means, but I do know that I feel more for Cynthia than I ever did for Collin."

"Is that right?" Nick replied tightly. Tension creeped back into his body.

Nicole replied firmly. "Yes."

Nick's face grew pale. "Do you love her? Has she asked you to leave me?"

"I don't know if I love her Nick, but honestly, I think my feelings are headed in that direction." Nicole paused. "No. Cynthia has never, not once, asked me to leave you. She's never even hinted at it. I've also never told her that I love her."

Nick didn't respond for several, tense seconds, but eventually he nodded. "Ok. I guess that's a good thing. I'm not sure how I feel, but thank you for being honest with me."