“I thought so. Maybe not. I was naive about a lot of things back then.” Basil’s so easy to talk to when we’re alone. “Every once in a while, I wish I had gone to prom instead of crying all night. Well, until my dad filled the house with his Prince album and made me dance with him.” I chuckle at the memory of James and I belting 80’s hits. “That’s what happens when your dad is a choreographer.”
“I thought you said that your father was a military man?”
I hesitate. This is what happens when I’m not careful. I guess I can tell her the truth.
“He is. I also have a dad who is a 'world class choreographer.'His words, not mine.”
“Two dads. Got it.” Basil pauses our footsteps. “And your mother?”
“She passed a long time ago. My parents are polyamorous. My mom and dad were both bisexual and polyamorous. James has been my dad’s current partner since I was in highschool. There’s no hierarchy like some other polyamorous relationship.” I’ve learned the look people give when their heads start to spin. Basil’s almost at that point.
“Do you call them both dad?” She seems genuinely curious, not in a judgemental way, which I appreciate.
“Sometimes. Usually I'll call one dad and the other by his first name. James.”
"Was it complicated growing up?"
"Eh, I felt safer inside my house than at other kids' because their parents were homophobic, but I had a great childhood once we settled once my dad retired from the military. He decided shortly after my mother passed."
“I’m sorry for your loss. And for all the questions. I just never met anyone with queer and poly parents before.”
"Don't be. I understand it’s confusing if you’re not familiar with it. Thank you. She's always with me."
We continue swaying in a comfortable silence.
Basil rests her head on my shoulder. “I went to prom three times and none was as good as dancing with you.” She smiles. “You didn't miss much, I promise.”
“Now I am nervous.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you just have that effect on me.”
“And what effect is that?”
“Making me forget how to breathe.” I didn’t mean for the words to leave my mind, but it’s too late now.
Her eyes crinkle at the corners, sparkling with a mix of mischief and flirtation, an irresistible combination she knows I can’t refuse. “What makes you think you’re the only one feeling that way right now?”
Instead of separating when the next song begins, we continue slow dancing. She gravitates toward me, and when her chin tilts, I press my lips against hers.
CHAPTER 18
BASIL
The already overwhelmingcharge between Caroline and me skyrocketed the moment we stepped inside the villa. By the time I realized the boldness of my actions, it was too late. I crash our lips together, slamming her spine against the door, like she did to me days ago, kissing her with an appetite I didn’t know I had. Her grip on my thighs tighten, and the needy touch of her lips canvassing the sensitive parts of my neck drives me wild.
“Bedroom,” I mutter between kisses, barely catching my breath while kicking off my heels. “Actually, do whatever you want to me, and I don’t care where.”
With a mischievous grin, she twists me around, firmly pinning our bodies together. Soft lips brush the back of my neck, sending tiny tremors down my spine. “I want you in my mouth,now,” she growls against my skin, ruining my panties in the process. A faint scent of coconut and vanilla from her hair fills my nose, pulling me deeper into my already sexually intoxicated state. She grabs my hand and leads us toward the bed. “Soundproofing might come in handy after all.”
My brain scrambles to prepare for a night I already know will be more intense than the first time. My dress demands removal,, but then I remember how Caroline’s hot and heavy desire transformed into what felt like hours of teasing. Given the way she’s staring at me, her carnivorous gaze on mine gives me hope I won’t have to wait long.
We don’t waste time unbuttoning her shirt or removing my dress, yet it doesn’t seem fast enough. Next thing I know, her lips, her tongue, her hands engulf me. Hungry kisses travel down my neck and shoulder, then clavicle, increasing the jolts of pleasure between my thighs. Every inch of me is pulsing. My heart pounds when she takes off the rest of her clothes. With hooded eyes, I devour her naked body up and down as she approaches and gently pushes me onto the bed.
Both of my hands are pinned underneath Caroline’s firm grip. She commands me not to move.
“You should see how hot you look right now,” she whispers in my ear.
