Heat flared in Kelly’s cheeks. “Oh, God, no. I meant…” What the hell had she meant? She could always count on good old booze to loosen her tongue. Kelly shut her mouth before she could put her other foot in it.

“Lighten up, Kelly. I was only teasing. Paula would kick me out on my arse if I even looked at you sideways. Besides, I’m not sure you have the equipment I like.”

“Hey, there are toys for…”

The amused expression on Lucy’s face stopped Kelly mid-sentence.

Lucy lifted an eyebrow as if to say, “do tell.”

Kelly shook her head and they both burst out laughing.

A clunk echoed around the kitchen as Lucy’s empty bottle landed in the recycling bin.

“I need to use the loo. Do you think anyone will miss me if I sneak off to bed?”

Before Kelly could respond, Lucy’s eyes went wide, her focus on something over Kelly’s shoulder.

“Don’t look now…”

Of course, the minute Lucy said that, Kelly whipped her head around. Paula was heading in their direction, hips swaying, bleach blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders, and a sexy gleam in her eye. “There you are, darling.”

The scent of wine and perfume wrapped around Kelly when Paula leaned in for a kiss. It wasn’t often she made public displays of affection, so Kelly made the most of it.

Returning the kiss, she entwined her fingers with Paula’s. The feel of her icy cold fingers made Kelly shiver. “You’re freezing.”

“I’ve been standing outside clutching a cold glass. What do you expect?”

The remaining few guests had gathered on the deck, huddled around the brazier.

Paula hiccupped and giggled. “But you’re right, it is getting chilly.”

She twirled a lock of Kelly’s long hair around her finger and leaned in close. The feel of her warm breath on Kelly’s neck sent a tingle of anticipation racing up Kelly’s spine.

“I need to warm up. Got any ideas?”

Delighted, Kelly’s mind raced south. “I could think of a thing or two.” She pushed her leg between Paula’s thighs, as much as Paula’s knee length skirt would allow. “I’m sure your guests won’t miss you for a few minutes if you disappear for a quickie. I mean to get a jacket from your room.”

The mere thought of a half-drunken fling, inhibitions lowered, made Kelly pulse with desire.

“I like your way of thinking.” Paula licked her ruby-red lips. “Give me a second to make my excuses and I’ll meet you there.”

Once again, Kelly was reminded of their age difference. Ten years wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but the women Kelly had dated closer to her own age wouldn’t think twice about keeping up appearances. In fact, her twenty-something year old friends would probably cheer them on as they sauntered out of the room.