Chapter 50

• Casey forced herself to finally break from the kiss. She didn't want to get carried away just yet. A soft moan escaped her mouth when Tanner's teeth raked across the sensitive on the side of her neck. With great effort, she pushed herself away, trying to get her bearings straight again. Though she had little experience with only a couple of partners, no one had ever ignited her body the way Tanner's touch and gaze did. Planting a hand squarely on the tall woman's chest to keep her at a distance, she looked into the eyes she adored and said, "I'm sorry for how I reacted....on our date." "It's in the past," Tanner quickly added. "I'm just happy you don't hate me." "I don't know that I could ever hate you." Tanner brought the hand on her chest up to her mouth, and tenderly kissed the palm. "We don't ever have to celebrate or even acknowledge that holiday. Just let me celebrate all of the others with you." "That's very sweet of you," Casey responded as she wiped at her eye to prevent the tear that threatened to spill. "I have a surprise for you." "You do?" Tanner asked with raised eyebrows.
• Casey nodded. "You'll have to come to my place to see it." "Gladly." With her hand gripped firmly, Tanner allowed herself to be lead across the way to the blonde's townhouse. Up the stairs they went, and right into Casey's bedroom. Blue eyes softly fell on the array of lighted red and white votive candles which were on almost every surface of the room. Rose petals were strewn on and around the bed. A white sheet was spread on one section of the floor with a few petals. Tanner could see a dark cobalt blue bottle of what she believed to be massage oil at the edge of the sheet. "I used the roses you gave me," Casey commented softly. Tanner looked down into brilliant sea green eyes that reflected her own desire. "It's very beautiful." She watched as the shorter woman retrieved something from the back pocket of her jeans. Taking the small white envelope that was handed to her, she pulled out the card. I have done a lot of thinking, crying, and letting go. I would very much like to be your Valentine if you would like to still be mine. Happy late Valentine's Day. With much hope, Casey.
• Tanner smiled as she tucked the card in her own back pocket. The backs of long fingers caressed Casey's cheek. She dipped her head, capturing the blonde's lips, and pouring all of her emotion into the kiss. The act became so explosive that the last piece of Casey's wall shattered inside of her. The kiss intensified. Mouths pressed, tongues began to demand each other's attention. Casey was not able to withhold the soft moan of pleasure and anticipation. She couldn't recall a kiss ever feeling like this, causing her to experience something deep within her that wanted to escape. She nibbled and tugged on Tanner's bottom lip, gently sucking it, and then gingerly biting it. She heard a low faint growl come forth from the tall woman and it excited her. Hands worked diligently at removing one another's clothing. Shoes were kicked off. Tanner hooked her fingers inside the top of Casey's jeans, pulling her in closer. Popping open the button, she slowly slid the zipper down. Casey pushed back. Gazing into the darkened azure blue eyes, she voiced a request. "Would you remove your sound control device?" Tanner's eyebrows furrowed curiously. "Will you tell me why?" she inquired as she tucked them into a pocket.