Page 79 of Minha Dona

“Absolutely beach.”

They took off their shoes and walked hand-in-hand along the sand just below the tide line, letting the waves wash around their feet. The moon was bright enough to walk by and the beach was empty so that, as they left the town behind, it felt like they were the only people in the world.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Helena said. “I’m glad you came. I’m glad you’re in my life.”

Caitlin looked at her with eyes that were bright in the moonlight and said, “I know. I’m glad too.” She hesitated and Helena gave her time. Eventually, she added, “I owe you a proper apology too.”

“An apology? Whatever for?”

“For all those months. I should have been in touch sooner. I knew, all along, even when I was convincing myself that me and Zoe were the real deal, that it was you.”

“There’s no apology needed.” Helena leaned in closer so that their shoulders were touching. “None at all. You had to discover what you wanted. You simply did what we agreed when I left Houston.”

“But I kept you waiting for me.”

Helena shrugged. “I kept myself busy.”

Caitlin looked at her and grinned. “I suppose so. Still, I’m sorry. I wish I’d come to you sooner rather than waiting until Miami.”

“Apology accepted, even though none was needed. We’re here now, together. That’s all that matters.”

They walked on until they could see the gate to the beach house through the trees.

“Wait,” Helena said, stopping and turning to face Caitlin.

“What?” Caitlin was looking at her with the half-amused, half-excited expression that signified she’d guessed something might be about to happen.

“Do you want to play, Gatinha?”

Helena swore she saw Caitlin blush in the moonlight. “Yes, Minha Dona. Very much.”

“Good.” Helena looked around her at the empty beach. “There’s nobody here.”

“And…?”

“And I seem to recall my overenthusiastic kitten felt playful this afternoon, didn’t you? When you forgot to put your bikini on?”

Caitlin laughed quietly. “I didn’t forget. It was very, very deliberate.” She looked around herself. “And also, as I now know, very, very illegal.”

“Would it be illegal if nobody but us can see?”

Caitlin tilted her head to the side, lips pursed, but Helena could see the brightness in her eyes that told her she was amused.

Then, saying nothing more, Caitlin leaned down and unfastened her sandals. When she straightened up again her fingers went to the buttons on her dress, unfastening each one slowly, her eyes locked on Helena’s. When the dress was loose she let it fall, before she took off her lingerie, leaving all of her clothes in a pile on the beach.

“I certainly hope not,” Caitlin said, playing innocent. She toyed idly with the necklace.

“Oh Gatinha, you’re too perfect.” Helena leaned down to scoop up Caitlin’s discarded clothes. Holding out her free hand, she took Caitlin’s hand in hers. “Come on… I don’t have all my toys with me, but I’ve got enough to show you just how perfect I think you are.”

Chapter 29

Helena woke to an empty bed and the sound of swimming.

She pulled on a t-shirt and walked to the terrace to see Caitlin in the pool, swimming lengths, back and forth, the morning sun making the water glitter around her. Helena noted with quiet satisfaction that she was naked… following her standing orders.

Helena went back inside to make coffee and then sat on a sun lounger with their two cups, watching. She counted fifteen lengths before Caitlin noticed her and stopped at the edge, pushing her dark, wet hair back from her face.

“Morning.”