The kitchen was a small open-plan space off the living room, with a narrow breakfast bar separating the two areas. She glanced around at her surroundings, noting the cool, minimalist furniture, which didn’t surprise her. Some gorgeous pieces of artwork were sprinkled around the room as well. They were full of warmth and passion, which did surprise her a little. She thought a bit more closely about it, and about the gorgeous woman she had just spent an incredibly passionate night with, and then it made sense.

She turned back to the kitchen area and quietly set about opening cupboards. She found teabags and mugs and filled the kettle. She’d just discovered a nice crusty loaf in a bread bin and was hunting for a bread knife when the bedroom door crashed open. She yelped with fright and dropped the loaf on the countertop. She whipped round to find a stunned and slightly bedraggled-looking Lou framed in the living room doorway.

Her mind registered the panicked look on Lou’s face, but the rest of her couldn’t help but notice the magnificent sight of that toned, lean body braced by two outstretched arms gripping the door frame. Muscles flexed, breasts perfectly pert, and legs slightly parted. Wetness pooled between her legs before her brain took charge and told her to deal with the panic Lou was expressing.

“God, you scared me! Are you okay?” asked Stephanie, gently.

Lou’s eyes were a little wild as her gaze flitted from Stephanie to the tea things out on the counter and the bread nearby.

Oh no, I’ve made a massive assumption that it’s okay for me to still be here in the morning, making myself at home. It’s too much…

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I shouldn’t have—”

“No, no, it’s okay. It’s me, I thought…” Lou looked embarrassed.

Suddenly the penny dropped. “Oh God.” Stephanie’s voice was still a whisper. “You thought I’d gone?”

Lou nodded slowly, and Stephanie’s stomach did an excited little lurch. She walked over to Lou, her smile widening as she got closer and Lou started to relax. She leaned in and kissed her, letting her tongue slip teasingly over her bottom lip before murmuring, “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

She gasped as Lou’s mouth suddenly devoured hers, pulling Stephanie close, pressing their breasts together, their bellies, their thighs. Lou lifted her head and placed her hands on Stephanie’s hips.

“I need you.” Her voice was low and strained, and her breathing was laboured.