Bennett’s eyes met Lisa’s, and she swallowed hard. “You…you don’t want to be rich?”

“No,” Lisa said, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll just mooch off of you.”

“You don’t want to rule the world?”

“No. Way too many languages to learn.”

“You don’t…you don’t want to avenge past wrongs?”

“No. It sounds like Ruby has cornered the market on that one. Don’t you think?”

Bennett’s smile grew a wee bit wider. “And…um…and what about jewelry? You need more of that?”

“I’m more into shoes and clothes, but I don’t need them. I just need you.” Lisa gently ran her finger down the back of Bennett’s hand. “I love you, Bennett. Please let me show you how much.”

When Bennett saw Lisa reach for the tie on her robe, Bennett brushed her hand away. “No, don’t.”

Lisa’s shoulders fell. “Bennett, please. Do you really think I came up with everything I just said on the fly?”

“No, but that can wait,” Bennett said, pointing to the tie. “This cannot.”

At a snail’s pace, Bennett lowered her mouth and brushed her lips against Lisa’s. Their first kiss lasted but a second, as did the next and the next after that, and then mouths began to linger as long-hidden desires were finally set free.

Lisa’s lips were sweet and warm and softer than anything Bennett could have imagined, and each kiss left her more breathless than the last. Bennett quivered at the sheer tenderness each time their lips met. She was kissing the woman she loved…and it was glorious.

One whisper-light kiss was all it took for Lisa’s breathing to quicken. She swooned at the feel of Bennett’s mouth pressed against hers, and a flush of warmth spread throughout her body. Her core throbbed, and her blood heated, and when the tip of Bennett’s tongue slipped between her lips, Lisa’s knees trembled.

Lisa sank into Bennett as she parted her lips, and as their kiss deepened, Lisa moaned into it. With exquisite tenderness, Bennett’s tongue explored Lisa’s mouth, and although no response was demanded, a response came nonetheless. Lisa possessed Bennett’s mouth as well, and tongues probed and danced, tasted and swept, wandering and conquering until both were gasping for air.

Bennett pulled away, and when she saw Lisa’s lustful gaze, Bennett swooped down and gathered Lisa into her arms. She carried her into the bedroom without saying a word, and placing her gently back on her feet near the bed, Bennett looked longingly into Lisa’s eyes. It was a question without words, and Lisa answered it by tugging at the tie of her robe. It fell away, and the shimmering silk parted.