The Muse (41 page)

With a nod, Erato stepped out of Chad’s loose embrace and went to Kate for another hug. She whispered into her ear. “She’s exactly what you need.”

Overcome by a powerful sense of well-being, Kate returned the hug without hesitation. Whatever lingering hard feelings she might have had melted away at the realization that Erato really
did
have her best interests at heart. She always had. “I know. Thank you.”

Watching Erato and Chad walk away, Olive wrapped her arms around Kate and kissed her on the cheek. “You okay?”

“I’m wonderful.” She turned to initiate a slightly more playful kiss. “You?”

“The same.” Olive nipped her lower lip, then pulled away to stare after the muse and her new artist once again. “That dude is in
so
much trouble.”

“And he has no idea.” She smiled as the two distant figures finally disappeared from sight. “I’d feel sorry for him if I didn’t think there was a damn good chance Erato will figure out a way to give him the same ridiculously happy ending she gave me.” She thought back to the low points of her time with Erato. “At least I hope so.”

Olive put a hand on her ass, briefly, as a tease. Voice lowered to a throaty whisper, she breathed into Kate’s ear. “And I hope you’re ready to make that amateur film you promised me tonight. Lights, camera, action, my little exhibitionist. We’re going to have some
fun
.”

Kate shivered and melted into Olive’s arms for a long, lingering kiss—fully prepared to live happily ever after.

Meghan O’Brien lives in Northern California with her wife, their son, and a motley collection of pets. She is the author of six previous novels and various short stories, mostly of the romantic/erotic variety, and is a two-time recipient of the GCLS Award for Lesbian Erotica. Meghan is a native of Royal Oak, Michigan, but can’t say she misses the snow. You can connect with her on Facebook or Twitter (@meghanobrien78).

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