Erika picked up the little stack of paperbound books. "There seems to be a certain lack of variety in your reading."

Kate cleared her throat. "I found out something about myself, though."

"Did you, darling?"

She was afraid to look at Erika. Maybe she was making a terrible mistake. If Erika was angry—if she went away! I'll kill myself.

Erika moved to stand behind her. She laid her cheek, cold with outdoor chill, against Kate's head. She put her arms around Kate's neck and closed her hands around her breasts. "Do you want me to tell you?" she said softly. "Come to bed and I'll show you what you found out about yourself.”

CHAPTER 8

“Good morning, darling."

Kate opened her eyes slowly. A new happiness flooded through her. Sunshine was coming in at the window and the radiator purred like a kitten. She looked around the room so like her own, yet not the same. It was a moment before she remembered where she was or who lay beside her. She turned to Erika, who was watching her intently. She shook her head, wanting to cry, not able to speak.

"Are you happy?"

"Too happy."

"Don't just be polite. If you weren't satisfied, if I didn't do what you like—"

She had never seen Erika unsure of herself. With some surprise, she realized that a week ago she had never seen Erika at all, had in fact been unaware of her existence. If that silly boy next door hadn't gotten one of his silly girls in trouble and moved out she might have gone through the rest of her miserable life without ever hearing Erika's name. "I'm no good at telling," she said, "you'll just have to believe me."

"We never did go out for dinner. Let's dress and have a big wonderful breakfast."

"Not yet."

Erika looked at her questioningly. Then she gathered her in as she had that first night—but with a definite difference, Kate thought, laying her hand against the thin body that had become so known and dear during the night. All the gentleness in Erika become strength and urgency. She said questioningly, "Erika?"

"What, darling?"

"Nothing."

"Are you hungry?"

"Not for food."

"Me too."

"Oh God," Kate said, feeling the hand where she wanted it most, feeling the slow wonderful beginning of desire, "we can't start all over again."

"Why not?"

Kate moaned softly. Erika's hand moved. "This? Do you like this?"

She was lost, separated from everything she had ever known or been before, lost in a need that refused to be denied. There was only one answer—and Erika could give it to her. "It's good," she whispered hoarsely. "So good. Don't stop."

After a while Erika lay back on the bed, breathing hard. "Darling."

"You're so good to me," Kate said wonderingly.

"I like it when you do it, too. It should be for both."

"It's like an electric shock," Kate said wonderingly, "only so good—I don't know how to tell you."