Free Never Letting Go by Suzanne Graham Page B

presentation, so we could give our sitting muscles a stretch before the windbags began talking.”
    Ree chuckled as she dried her hands on a paper towel. “Do you think they’d notice if we hid in here for a while longer?” She gestured to the red plush settee in the lounging area of the restroom. “That looks a whole hell of a lot more comfortable than the chairs at our table.”
    Leila plopped down on the small couch. “Oh, yes! This is much better.” She patted the spot next to her. “Come. Rest with me a bit.”
    As the settee was fairly short, Ree had to sit close to Leila—so close she had to slide her right arm around Leila’s waist, not that she minded having to hold her friend, though Leila’s bare shoulder so near to Ree’s mouth did pose almost too great a temptation.
    She forced herself to stare across the room at the black and white toile wallpaper. The pattern showed two cherubs tying a long ribbon around a giant vase of flowers with the help of a dove. When she was sure she’d have the image permanently imprinted in her brain, she swept her gaze back to Leila.
    “How—”
    “Did I—”
    Ree gave Leila an encouraging smile. “You first.”
    Leila’s eyes flicked away for a second, and she bent her head slightly. “I don’t think I’ve told you how stunning you look in that gown. That electric blue makes your eyes pop. I’ve never seen them look so bright.”
    If only her friend knew the source of that brightness…but then, Ree would probably lose their friendship if Leila knew. Ree allowed herself a moment longer to enjoy their closeness before speaking. “How long do you think we can hide out?”
    “Long enough for this…” Leila palmed Ree’s cheek and eased close to her mouth, “kiss.”
    Before Ree could react, Leila’s soft lips brushed against hers. Ree tightened her arm around Leila’s waist as she returned the kiss, adding a light sweep of her tongue along Leila’s full bottom lip. She tasted an echo of the red wine Leila had drunk with dinner. The world tilted as her head swam, but it was due to the reality of kissing her friend rather than the intoxicating effects of any alcohol.
    Leila’s hand slid around to cup the back of Ree’s head as her lips parted and her tongue swiped slowly across Ree’s upper lip, teasing Ree and making her crave more contact, deeper contact.
    Ree sucked Leila’s lower lip, ending with a light nip. A breathy moan from Leila was all the encouragement Ree needed. She delved into Leila’s warm, velvety mouth, tangling their tongues. The kiss sped from exploratory to heated within a heartbeat.
    Ree couldn’t get enough of Leila’s sweet taste and silky texture. She inhaled through her nose, reveling in Leila’s lilac scent. She kept her hands at Leila’s waist, letting the kiss be enough for now, but her imagination played with thoughts of filling her hands with Leila’s full breasts, teasing her dark nipples to stiff peaks.
    A soft moan escaped from deep in her throat, and Leila ended the kiss.
    Ree opened her eyes and met Leila’s mahogany ones, which shone brightly with heat and beauty. If only they could live forever in this one moment, she would be content…more than content—her life would be complete. To forever live wrapped within the embrace of her soul’s partner.
    Inwardly, she laughed at herself and her sudden turn into a poet. From scientist to poet with one kiss. Oh, but what a kiss!
    “Uh, we’d better return to our table.” Leila dropped her hands into her lap and bowed her head.
    Dread washed coldly through Ree, extinguishing her lust. Slowly, she released her hold from around Leila’s waist.
    Once she was free, Leila stood and walked to the mirror, smoothing her upswept hair with her palms. She touched her lips with a fingertip as she studied her reflection. “I look like I’ve been thoroughly kissed.” She turned and faced Ree with near panic in her eyes. “Please don’t say anything in front of