All Along

This is a story about one person's stupidity (mine) and how I eventually found the most wonderful thing in my life (her). I'd say it's a love story, but to me, there's more to it than that.

At the time all this kicked off, my life was very middle-of-the-road. I had an average job (in an advertising firm, first job after graduating), an average history (three real relationships, one nearly very good but disintegrated dramatically, and several one-offs), an average present (no lover, but two cats), an average home (Southeast London flat, one bedroom) and no car. Now I work for the same people but they pay me more, my cats are a little older, my flat is now a small house and I drive a second-hand BMW. As for my love life, well, that's what I'm going to tell you about. Sometimes, people just enter your world and - poof! - things will never be the same again.

That was certainly the first thought in my head when I, seated at the bar in a favourite spot in Soho, saw the dark haired beauty walk in. I'd been coming here a good while now, and knew most of the clientele to at least say hi to (and some a good deal better than that), but she was new. She came down the stairs with a real grace, and I was transfixed. There were two or three other girls with her, but I wasn't looking at them. She was quite something. She was tall, but proportioned, with eyes that you could drown in and shoulders to die for (I always had a thing for shoulders). I pulled my gaze away and turned to my friend Melissa, who was sitting beside me. "Do you see her?" I asked enthusiastically. "Who?" she replied. "Her," I said, trying to indicate my new object of desire without it being obvious. "Oh, with the shoulders?" she said.

This was a passion we shared. "That's the one." "Not bad. Seen better." I looked, wide eyed, at Melissa. This was typical of her; she never seemed to think anyone I liked was good enough for me, though I couldn't believe she didn't see it in this girl. And anyway, I didn't exactly consider myself a goddess, so I was sure she was plenty good enough for me. "Seen better?" I gasped, "she's stunning!" "Whatever you say, dear. Why don't you go over and talk to her then?" "I will, later." I realised that Melissa was probably just playing it safe, as at that moment her girlfriend, Clara, returned from the bathroom. Clara and Melissa had been together for about three months, and everyone agreed that they made a great couple. Indeed, it suited Melissa to be with someone, as she'd been having a pretty quiet time of it before then, and she hadn't seemed happy with it.

A little later on, she with the wondrous shoulders came to the bar and ordered a round of drinks for her table. She was standing next to me, and I took the opportunity to get a pretty good look. Up close she was just as delectable, more so in fact, and I was hugely attracted to her. When the barmaid came to tell her the cost, I cut in. "I'll get these," I said. "I can't let you do that," said 'Shoulders'. "You can and will, because I insist," I said, smiling at her.

Before she could protest any further, I thrust a crisp twenty-pound note into the barmaid's hand. "That's very kind of you," she said while my change was being counted. "Don't mention it," I replied, "least I could do for one as lovely as yourself. I'm Sarah." I held out my hand. She took it and smiled back, blushing slightly, and my heart skipped. "Nice to meet you. I'm Zoe." My change came back; Zoe took her drinks and thanked me again. She went back over to her table, and I saw her say something to them, obviously about me. They laughed, and I smiled at them, before turning to Melissa. "Wonder if I'm in there?" I said, idly.

Melissa just grinned at me. "Very smooth," she said, "I'm sure you'll have no trouble." I couldn't tell if she was being gently sarcastic, so I just returned to the conversation that we'd been having previously, while occasionally sending the odd look in Zoe's direction, just to let her know I was still here. A little while later I went to the bathroom, and decided while I was in there that I would go and talk to Zoe when I got out. I rehearsed in my mind a few things I could say, but when I came out she and her friends were no longer at their table. I looked around in case they were dancing, but they were nowhere to be seen. I went back over to Melissa, and asked her where they'd all gone. "I'm sorry, they left just a minute ago," she said. "Why didn't you stop her for me?" "I didn't get a change, by the time I realised they were half way up the stairs and with this crowd I couldn't have got to them in time." I cursed, but decided I would probably see Zoe in here again, so I shouldn't worry just yet.

But I didn't. A couple of times I did see someone who I thought might have been with her that night, but I wasn't sure so I didn't do anything about it. Indeed, when I did next run into Zoe, I'd all but put her to the back of my mind. It was a little over two months later, and I had just got off a tube at London Bridge Underground station on a Saturday afternoon.

I noticed a woman struggling with a vast amount of shopping. I went over to help, and realised that, though she had her back to me, she looked familiar. "Can I help you at all?" I asked. She turned around, and looked a little startled. "I thought it was you!" I exclaimed, "It's Zoe, isn't it? We met in a bar a couple of months back." "Yes, I remember," she said, "Susan, isn't it?" "Sarah," I corrected her, "do you want a hand with that?" "Oh, yes, if you're offering," she said, and flashed me a smile that made me melt, "this damn bag has split." "So I see. Had a successful day, then?" "Yep. Good to splash out occasionally," she said, "I'm told it's therapeutic." "You need this much therapy?" I asked, taking some of her bags.

"No, but any excuse!" We made small talk all the way up to the mainline part of the station, as we both had trains to catch, though in different directions. She thanked me for helping her, made to leave and go on her way. "Before you go," I said, "here, take my number. I'd love to see you again." I offered her a copy of my business card, which happened to include my mobile phone number. She took it, but looked awkward. "Sarah, you're nice but... I'm sorry, I'm straight." "Oh," I said, my eyebrows shooting skyward, "but I thought, after you were in the bar..." "I was just there with my friends.

Two of them are gay. But I'm really not. I'm sorry, Sarah." I swallowed. "Ah well," I sighed, trying to hide my disappointment, "not to worry. It's been nice meeting you anyway." With that, I turned and walked to my train, trying very hard not to look back. Such was life, I tried to convince myself. But I couldn't help it, I was very sorry that it had turned out so. She had been really nice to talk to, and she was gorgeous, and oh, those shoulders. As I boarded my train home, I realised that she had not given me back my card.

When I got home I gave Melissa a call, and recounted to her what had happened at London Bridge. She was always my first port of call when things like this happened, she's never let me down, nor I her. She didn't seem unduly surprised about Zoe; maybe she'd been able to tell when we'd been back in the bar. "But Mel, this is just so my luck," I whinged. "It needn't be," she replied, "your problem is, though, that the girls you go for are more of the straight type."

"I know. I feel like a right prat now, though." "You said she was gracious about it?" asked Melissa. "She was, I guess," I conceded. "Well don't worry about it. They'll be others. Listen, Sarah, I've got to go, but you are coming to my birthday dinner next Friday aren't you?" "Of course," I answered. "Great. I'll let you know the exact time by Wednesday. Speak to you later, Sarah, and don't worry." "Thanks Mel. You're a star. See you soon." After Melissa went I decided she was right. I wasn't to have known Zoe was straight, and these things do happen after all. And she had been nice about it. Best not to think about it any further. Or so I thought. During the following Thursday night, I had my feet up in front of the television when my mobile rang.

I wondered who would be calling me, and I didn't recognise the number on the screen. "Hello?" "Hi, is that Sarah?" asked the voice on the line. "It is," I replied. "Sarah, hi, this is Zoe. You gave me your number last Saturday." I sat up straight. "Zoe? Hi, I wasn't expecting you to call." "Well, to be honest neither was I, but I gave what you said some thought and decided that it might be fun." "Really?" I was totally taken aback. "So what did you have in mind?" "I was wondering if you wanted to go out?" "Well, of course, but I thought you were all straight." "That's what I thought, too," said Zoe, "but I've been thinking a lot about our encounter and I'd like to give it a shot. I think you're really nice." I wasn't too sure about 'nice' and 'give it a shot', but this girl was gorgeous and pleasant and did, after all, have those shoulders, so who was I to refuse? "Okay, sure, when?"

"How about tomorrow night, if it's not too short notice?" "Er, tomorrow's no good, I'm afraid, it's my best friend's birthday do. How about Saturday?" "Saturday's great, I'll book a table somewhere nice if you fancy it." I was always up for good food. "Sounds great." "Okay then, meet you at Charing Cross Station, under the clock, at seven?" "I'll be there!" I was feeling very happy indeed. "Great, well, see you then! Bye Sarah." "Bye..." I heard her hang up, and switched my phone off. Wow! I had a date with the delectable one! Actually, I did have the odd reservation. Although I tended to fancy straight girls quite a lot, I wasn't so keen on having relationships with them, as they never seemed as comfortable with it. Nevertheless, Zoe was a lovely girl, so I would make an exception.

The following night, I was in a Chinese restaurant with Melissa, Clara, and lots of other friends. It was Melissa's twenty-fifth birthday and much merriment was being had by all. Some of us had clubbed together to buy her a pair of return tickets on the Eurostar to Paris and two nights in a good hotel, and she was thrilled. Towards the end of the meal, Clara received a phone call. She excused herself and stepped outside to take it, and seemed to be having a fairly heated exchange with whoever had bothered her. After a few minutes she came back in, looking apologetic. "I'm really sorry," said Clara to Melissa, "but I've got to go to work. They're short of people and no one else is available. I tried to tell them I couldn't, but they wouldn't have it." Clara was a police officer. "Don't worry about it," said Melissa, "I understand. Go on, it's been nice to have you here."

Clara seemed relieved that Melissa had taken her news so well. "I'm sorry," she said, before giving Melissa a kiss, "will you get home alright?" "I'll see her home," I volunteered. Melissa had had quite a lot to drink, and would probably need accompanying. "Thanks Sarah," said Clara, "Happy birthday Mel, I'll call you in the morning." About half an hour after Clara left, the party began to break up. A group of people were wanting to go on out for more drinking and probably dancing, but Melissa was by now distinctly the worse for wear, and it was clear that home was the only place for her. After paying the bill we all stumbled out into the night. The restaurant was quite near to London Bridge Station, so Melissa and I wouldn't have to go far. It took us about five minutes to get to the station, and we got on a train that would take us to Lewisham, where Melissa lived.

As we sat on the train, Melissa talked about how nice it had been to see everyone and how pleased she was with her forthcoming trip to Paris. It only took a few minutes to get into Lewisham on the train, and about ten more minutes to walk to Melissa's house. By the time we got there the brisk night air had done a lot to sober her up; she seemed much more lucid. She invited me in for coffee 'and a chat, seeing as it's been a while since we last had a decent talk.' I made myself comfortable on her sofa and talked to Sebastian, her cat, who knew me well, while Melissa made the coffee. She brought it through and I was pleased to get the warm liquid inside me, it was a chilly night. "Coffee okay?" she asked.

"Absolutely spot on," I said, "you know you make it good, girl!" "Just another of my endless talents," she said airily, but with a laugh. "Indeed!" "So," asked Melissa, "what's new with you, anyway? Found anymore hopeless straights to pursue?" "Actually, funny you should ask that," I said, "as Zoe, you know the straight girl from the bar, called me last night! We're going out to dinner tomorrow." "No!" exclaimed Melissa, surprised, "I thought she told you in no uncertain terms..." "So did I! Apparently, she's been thinking about me all week or something." "Really? Well, wouldn't you believe it?" "You don't seem very pleased for me," I said, noticing Melissa's lack of enthusiasm. "No no, I am, I'm just surprised it's worked out like this. Good luck." "You think I'll need it?" "Well, she is straight," said Melissa, very matter-of-fact-ly, "I mean, what's to say she isn't just playing at it? You know, just bi-curious or something?" "Maybe she is. And if that's the case, then so be it. Mel, she's really hot, really nice, I'd be a fool to pass her by." "She'll break your heart, Sarah." "You seem very certain!" I answered, surprised by Melissa's attitude. It wasn't like her to be this negative. "I haven't even been out with her yet." "I just don't think she'll be good for you, and I don't think you need another doomed relationship."

Melissa was referring to my last affair, which had been very stormy and had ended horribly. "Come on, if I never take a chance then I'll never be in another relationship ever!" "All I'm saying is that there are better people out there for you." "Like who?" They didn't exactly seem to be queuing around the block for me." "Sometimes, Sarah, these things are right under your nose." I was puzzled. "What do you mean, under my nose. Who?" Melissa sighed despairingly. "Do I have to spell it out to you?" "Spell what out? I'm not following you." "Sarah, I'M here. I'm under your nose!" I was completely flabbergasted. Was Melissa declaring deep feelings for me? I wanted to burst out laughing, but decided that this could be a little insensitive. Melissa? She was my best friend. She couldn't possibly want to be more than that, could she? "Say something," she said, desperately searching my expression for a hint that I felt the same way. "Mel, Jesus, I didn't see this coming," was all I could say. "I'm sorry, I really am, but I couldn't watch you embark on another relationship without telling you how I felt." I felt so sorry for Melissa. I had never thought of her as any more than a friend, and I couldn't see that changing. I didn't want to disappoint her, but I didn't see any choice.

"What about Clara?" "I like her," said Melissa, "but I'd give her up in a second if I thought you'd take me. I wasn't just going to be lonely while I waited for you." "Oh Mel, I'm sorry," I said, desperately wanting to make this alright for her, "I love you so much, but only as a friend. I just don't feel the same way." Melissa hung her head. She was obviously crushed, and it was killing me to do this to such a dear friend, not least on her birthday. I felt terrible, but there was nothing I could do. It wouldn't have been fair to either of us if I'd have gone along with it just to make her feel better. "Maybe I should go?" I asked, not knowing what to say to make it better.

Melissa nodded feebly. I got up and walked away, turning as I got to the door to say once again that I was sorry. I lived at New Cross Gate, which was only ten minutes or so away on the bus. During the ride home my head was swimming, I didn't know what to think. I couldn't believe that Melissa had fallen for me, and I was terrified that this would put paid to our friendship, which was so dear to me. When I had told her that I didn't feel the same way she had looked absolutely destroyed, and I hated to have been the one to do that to her. I wondered for how long she had been keeping these feeling from me, and if Clara knew. Clara had never seemed entirely comfortable with me; maybe this was why. When I got in I crashed straight away. Best to sleep on these things. Maybe I would have a solution in the morning, and all would be well.

In the morning, actually, I just felt flat. I didn't have a grand plan to get everything back to how it had been, and I imagined that Melissa was feeling a good deal worse about this whole affair than I was. I wanted to call her, but what could I possibly say to make it better? I decided that the best strategy for now was to give her some space, and not to hassle her, as that would be the last thing she'd need. However I also knew that in light of the previous night's events she wouldn't call me, I'd have to make the first move if we were to have a chance at remaining friends.

But not yet, not yet. Besides, I had a date to prepare for. I had a leisurely day, reading the paper and watching some of the sport in television. I felt quite relaxed, though I couldn't quite get this whole Melissa business out of my mind. I wondered if I'd led her on in any way, but I couldn't see how, and anyway, it had seemed as though she had rather expected my reaction. When the evening rolled around, I had a shower, dressed in my fitted blue shirt and favourite grey trousers, checked myself in a mirror and headed out of the door. I almost skipped all the way to New Cross Gate Station, and after waiting for about ten minutes on the platform I boarded a train to Charing Cross. Fifteen minutes later I was at Charing Cross Station, it was five past seven, and I could see Zoe waiting underneath the clock. I went through the barriers to meet her, and she greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.

"Sorry I'm a little late," I said. "That's alright, I know how it is with these bastard trains," she replied. "Now then," I asked, "where are you taking me?" "Just a place I know." She led me out of the station and towards Trafalgar Square, before turning up St Martin's Lane. A little further along we dived into a little side alley, and found ourselves at the entrance to a tiny Italian restaurant. I was impressed. The waiter showed us to a table for two in the corner, and we settled in our seats. The restaurant was dimly lit, but there was a candle at every table and Opera music was playing quietly. The atmosphere reeked of romance, and I liked it. It certainly added to the effect that I was seated opposite a very attractive woman whom I had great plans for. We decided on a wine, ordered our food, and began to talk. I found the conversation flowed easily between us and we had several interests in common.

To my delight she had been wearing a sleeveless top underneath her coat, and so now her shoulders were on display. I was quietly having some very dirty thoughts when our starters arrived. Zoe was behaving as though she were perfectly accustomed to taking other girls to romantic restaurants, and I was relieved as I thought she would be nervous and would feel awkward. If she had nerves she wasn't showing them. We talked a little about her childhood, my travelling (I had been backpacking after I left university) and her job; she was a junior doctor. We just seemed to hit it off, and by the time we were tucking into out desserts I felt totally at ease with this girl. I didn't feel like I was having to put anything on, the conversation just flowed and I thought things were going well. At the end of a very pleasant meal we paid the bill and I insisted on paying my half. Though I felt comfortable with Zoe I didn't want to feel as though I was in her debt just yet. It was now ten o'clock, and although the night was still young I was extremely tempted by her suggestion that we head to her place for coffee and further chatting. It turned out that she lived by New Cross Station, very close to my home though on a different line. We took the train there and walked the hundred yards or so to her home.

Zoe unlocked the door and I followed her inside. Her house was in a terraced row and from the outside didn't look like much at all, but she had done very impressive things with the decorating. I commented that I thought the place was very nice. "You think?" she replied, "I'm so changeable in my tastes, I can never decide if I want to keep it as it is." "Of course, I see decor isn't the only thing you are changeable about," I said, referring to her change of heart regarding going out with me. "Well, yes," she said, catching my meaning, "what can I say? I was intrigued, I suppose. I wanted to know how it might work out." "And what do you think now?" I asked. "I think it worked out very nicely, thank you." I couldn't believe how relaxed this allegedly straight girl was being; had it been me I would have been nervous as hell. I moved a little closer to her, so that her back was against the wall of her hallway. "You know, Zoe, I think it could work out even better," I muttered, before moving in and kissing her on the mouth. She readily responded, and I was loving the feeling of Zoe's soft lips against mine.

Her arms were around my neck and mine on her waist, and then our lips parted and our tongue's met and I was pressing her right up against the wall. This felt fantastic... but something wasn't right. Then it hit me. The sensations were great, I couldn't have denied it, but I wasn't thinking of Zoe at all. In my head I was kissing Melissa, and THAT was what felt right. I pulled back from Zoe, and she immediately saw the startled expression on my face. "What's wrong?" she asked. I didn't know what to say. I took a step away from her. "I'm sorry," I managed to stutter, "I can't do this." "What?!" she exclaimed, "What do you mean?" "I'm sorry, but I have to go." "I thought I was the one with the problem about girls, not you!" she said, clearly not understanding what was happening at all. "It's not about that," I said, "It's not you..." "Oh, please," she said, sounding very displeased, "spare me the 'it's not you, it's me' talk." "I'm sorry," I repeated, "there's something I have to do. Someone I have to see." "Someone else?" she said, becoming more confused. "I can't explain it," I replied. I knew it was feeble but it was all I could say. "I'm sorry," I said once again, and opened the front door. "Will I see you again?" she called after me. "Call me, I'll explain, I promise," I told her, though I wasn't sure I could.

With that I left, and headed for a nearby bus stop. Everything that Melissa had told me had suddenly come to make sense, and what's more, I wanted to know more. I realised that it was because we'd become such good friends that I'd never thought of her as more, and hadn't dared to when the opportunity presented itself, but if I let myself think of her as a potential lover it became an idea that I liked. I couldn't understand why it had taken Zoe to trigger that, but I knew I had to see Melissa now, and tell her about my change of heart. I just hoped that, in light of the previous night, she wouldn't turn me away. A short bus ride later and I was at Melissa's front door. It was gone eleven o'clock now, and though I doubted that she would have gone to bed, I couldn't be sure. I took a deep breath and rang the bell. After about twenty seconds I heard the door being opened, and Melissa appeared in the doorway. She seemed surprised to see me, and a little embarrassed. "Is Clara here?" I asked. "No," she replied, "why?" That was good enough for me.

I stepped right up to Melissa, took her face in my hands and kissed her with everything I had. Her mouth opened, accepting my tongue, and she clung to me. I manoeuvred her into the hallway and kicked the door shut behind us as we kissed hard. It felt as though she was releasing everything into me, as though she'd needed to do this for a very long time. As for me, the realisation had come on only very recently but nevertheless the kiss made me feel somehow complete. My hands were in her faintly wavy hair, and her arms were around me, beneath my jacket. I was a couple of inches taller than her and used my superior size to push her back against the wall and press myself hard against her. It was similar to how things had been with Zoe, only this time it felt so right, it fitted, it clicked. Our breathing quickened as we hungrily kissed each other, hands everywhere.

I felt liberated, as though this was what I'd been after all this time. Her tongue was exploring my mouth, and clearly I wasn't the only one feeling somewhat overwhelmed. After a minute or so I pulled back, held her face in my hands again, and looked her in the eyes. I was noticing things about her that I'd never noticed before, like the little mole under her left eye and the texture of her skin. She was gorgeous; I couldn't understand why it was I'd never felt attracted to her before. When we'd first got to know each other I'd been in a relationship and therefore not looking elsewhere, and by the time that ended she'd become too good a friend for me to consider her as anything else. But now... "What happened?" she asked after a long silence. I kissed her once, lightly, and answered, "I don't know, Mel. It just all made sense, suddenly." She smiled broadly, and I thought I saw the beginnings of a tear in her eye. I pulled her to me and held her close, my chin resting on top of her head. Then she looked up at me. "Sarah, I've waited long enough for you and I don't think I can wait any longer." I knew what she meant and grinned at her. "Lead the way," I said. Melissa took my hand and led me upstairs to her bedroom. She shut the door behind us - after all, we hardly needed to be joined by Sebastian later - and pushed me down on her vast bed. She climbed onto the bed so that she was straddling my torso and looked down with pure, raw lust in her eyes.

Her initial surprise and vulnerability had apparently now been replaced with desire and confidence. This was a side to Melissa that I'd never seen before, but I liked it and was hungry for more. She leant forward and began to kiss me again, whilst undoing the top buttons of my shirt. She was just wearing a T-shirt and a pair of old jeans, and as she sat atop me I let me fingertips roam underneath her T-shirt, feeling her skin. She developed goose pimples at my touch, and let out a little moan. Then she sat back up and undid the rest of my shirt buttons, pulling it open and exposing my bra - black lace, as I had hoped to get some luck tonight, after all. She smiled her approval and started to run her lips over the valley between my breasts. It felt wonderful, and she was a master with her tongue, eliciting shudders from me with almost every touch. She then started to explore my breasts themselves through the fabric, all the while taking her time, in no hurry. Melissa had been waiting for this for a long time and was not going to rush it. I felt my nipples spontaneously harden as the material next to them dampened slightly from her mouth. Part of me wanted to pull Melissa hard down and really fire things up, but this felt exquisite and I was slave to her caress.

Then she shifted over so that she was on her back beside me, and I was not going to pass up this opportunity. I rolled on top of her and kissed her, first on the lips, then the neck. She extended her neck when I did this, presenting more of it to me, and also used it as a chance to push my shirt completely away from my body. Not content with that though, she also unhooked my bra and let that too fall away. My breasts were now pressed up against her still clothed body, and she pushed my head away from her neck so that she could get better access to them. Melissa gazed upon them, then took my right breast into her mouth and sucked on it. I couldn't help but groan as she did this; the way she was manipulating my nipple with her agile tongue was a joy to behold. I pulled my breast away from her and kissed her hard, rolling onto my back again and pulling her on top of me as I did so.

I reached under her top and unfastened her bra, then pulled both garments over her head and away, letting her breasts fall onto mine. Melissa's breasts were splendid, they begged for my mouth and I was happy to oblige. I ran my tongue around the edges of them, inhaling the scent of her skin. She mage me feel giddy; I couldn't get enough. I circled each of her dark nipples with the tip of my tongue and then sucked that on her left breast into my mouth. Melissa groaned deeply and I continued, alternating the pressure with which I played her. She was writhing around beneath me, becoming quite frantic by now, and I loved what I was doing to her. Her breasts were so soft, they felt so very good against my cheek.

She had my head in her hands and was not letting me go, not that I would have gone anywhere at any rate. She was arching her back to thrust her ample mounds closer to me still, and after a little while I had to come up just for air! I looked at her face, her expression was one of unbridled passion. I used the break to sit up for a second and remove my shoes, before leaning back over and kissing Melissa's stomach. Though I'd always known her to be fairly thin, I'd never before realised just how toned Melissa was, and I could feel all her abdominal muscles tense in response to my lips brushing her skin. Beads of sweat were now forming between her breasts, and as I ran my tongue up from her navel to her throat and then lips, I tasted the slight saltiness, but I fully appreciated it as a sign of all the good effects I was having on her. Melissa kissed me back fiercely, and pushed me back over onto my back.

I lay helpless beneath her as she undid my trousers and pulled them down my legs and away. Melissa hovered above me, and I was down to no more than my black lacy thong, which I had been wearing in the hope of a similar scenario with Zoe. She smiled down at my body, and I was finding it hard to remain still. I desperately wanted to pull her down and ravish her, but Melissa seemed intent on taking her time and I could live with that as she did it beautifully. I could feel the wetness emanating from between my thighs, and when Melissa leant down and started to kiss the fine line of hair that ran downwards from my navel she inhaled deeply and sighed happily. I was lying with my eyes half closed in a state of bliss, though I opened them as I felt Melissa pull down my thong.

When it was off my legs opened for her, almost as a reflex, and she gazed at my exposed pussy before looking back up at my face. "You have no idea," she said, quietly, "how long I've been waiting for this." I wanted to reply but I could not think of anything suitably witty, and anyway before I could say anything Melissa ran the tip of her tongue down the length of my pussy, and all I could do was moan. Her motion sent shivers right up my spine, and the moisture from her tongue together with the quantities of cum I was producing seemed to amplify every touch. I was so sensitive, and my clit was rock hard, and every time she brushed it I felt myself shudder involuntarily. Melissa settled herself between my legs, and her mouth fitted perfectly over my pussy. She was flicking my clit with her tongue, and I was finding it hard not to come just from that, but I wanted this to last. She was clearly very adept at this, and I felt like my pussy was on fire.

She then let her tongue wander downwards and pushed it as hard as she could into my pussy, which responded by tightening up and producing another gush of my plentiful liquid. It was no use, I couldn't possibly hold off any more, Melissa's ministrations were sending me into ecstasy, and as she continued exploring my lips, my clit and my opening with her exceptionally skilled tongue I began to climax hard, thrusting myself onto her face and crying out her name. I could feel that I was drenching her face, but she was licking it all up and working me still harder. Then she dropped off the pressure and my initial orgasm subsided, but Melissa plunged two fingers inside my slick pussy and I came again, harder, as she sucked on my clit and pumped in and out of me with her fingers. I don't know how loud I was being, but if the neighbours were listening I'm sure they got a treat. My whole body was shaking and Melissa didn't let up until she was sure that I could come no more. I lay back, covered in sweat and breathing heavily. My eyes were wide open and staring at the ceiling and I felt absolutely blissful. Melissa hauled herself up and entered my line of sight. She was grinning and I could see that the remnants of my cum were still around her mouth. I struggled to think of what to say; I was incredulous and no words would come.

Melissa kissed me lightly and I could taste myself. Then I shut my eyes and just lay there, smiling inanely, but I couldn't help it. I heard movement and when I looked up I saw that Melissa had taken off her trousers and was now totally naked. She truly did have a fabulous figure, curvy in all the right places and well defined. She was sitting up, and I reached out a hand to stroke her back. Her skin felt so delicate to me. She was facing away from me and I sat up and pressed myself against her back with my arms around her. I kissed her neck and allowed my hands to roam freely across the front of her body. I cupped her breasts in my palms and traced her contours with my fingertips. The fingers of my left hand came to rest in the fine smattering of hair between her legs; it felt silky. As I touched her there I felt Melissa respond, and I was aware that something was definitely stirring. Suddenly she turned and kissed me hard, plunging her tongue deep into my mouth. Initially this took me by surprise, but I adjusted and kissed her back just as passionately. I pushed her down into the bed and pushed her legs apart, not wanting to waste any time; this was urgent. I kissed her once more, pushing my tongue once to the back of her mouth, before withdrawing and doing the same to her pussy.

I rammed my tongue into her as far as I could, and at once she cried out with pleasure. She was very wet indeed, and her juices were remarkably sweet. I took hold of her hips and drove myself at her, again and again, my mouth locked hard onto her pussy. This was merciless, this was pure passion. I was licking her, sucking her, fucking her hard with my tongue, and I felt her body begin to spasm. Her thighs tightened around my head as I continued to probe her. I felt the walls of her pussy start to contract and her cum was flowing down my neck. Her clit was rock hard, I could feel it pressing into my lip, so I alternated pushing my tongue into her with sucking her clit into my mouth. When I did this she gushed onto me, the whole area was slippery with her cum and it was hard to keep my grip. I didn't let up, and by now Melissa was screaming out incoherently, thrusting down onto me and begging me not to stop. I didn't stop, I continued to push her to the very limit of what she could take. Her pussy was so tight and every time I penetrated it with my tongue there was considerable resistance.

I ran my tongue up the length of her and all around her clit, before flicking it hard and returning to her opening. Finally I felt the pressure around my head release, and Melissa, who had almost been sitting up because of the power of her orgasm, dropped down onto the bed, panting. I lifted myself up onto my arms and looked at her. Her eyes were shut as she lay back in a state of sated euphoria. I lay down beside her and no words were said, I don't think any were necessary. Maybe ten minutes later, Melissa opened her eyes and looked at me. "That was absolutely incredible," she said quietly. "I do my best," I replied with a smile. She leant over and kissed me, hard, before pulling back. "I don't think I can get enough of you," she said. I blushed, but I was also delighted. "That's fine by me." "And to that end," she went on, "would you care for a little more?" "Always," I said, grinning at her. There was no mistaking her intentions. Melissa rolled over to the side of the bed, and opened a drawer in the bedside table. I heard her rummaging around for a bit, there was clearly quite a lot in there.

Eventually she found what she was looking for, and returned to me with an ample-sized double dildo, in a very fetching shade of blue. "Very good," I said, before kissing her once more. She slowly moved the dildo down to between her legs, and made sure I was watching as she pushed one end of it into her. Her pussy was still soaked from its earlier exploits, and the dildo slid in with no trouble at all. I looked on, wide-eyed, as all eight inched or so disappeared inside her, and I could feel myself getting wet all over again. Then Melissa sat up and leant back against the headboard of the bed. The other end of the dildo was pointing up towards the ceiling, and I climbed on top of her. Straddling her waist, I let my pussy find the tip of it, and then pushed down an inch or two. It felt good to have something like this inside me, and I waited a second to adjust to its size. Then I allowed myself to slide all the way down its length, and our pussies were practically touching. We both stayed still for a few seconds, both focusing on each other. After a short time, we simultaneously began to build up a rhythm.

Whenever I pushed down, the dildo moved further up into her pussy, and whenever she pushed down it did the same to me. Our thrusts began very shallow, but fairly soon we were pushing harder as the passion grew. Meanwhile we were kissing and touching each other all over, and my whole body was tingling. As we moved together with increasing urgency, I could feel the beginnings of an orgasm within me, and this was enhanced no end when Melissa brought her hand around and began to stroke my clit as we fucked each other to kingdom come. I had Melissa's nipple in my mouth, and I was finding it hard not to bite down. I could tell that she too was nearing the edge.

I started to rub her clit as well as we rode each other to climax. I came first, releasing great torrents of cum and crying out as I flung my head back, and Melissa was not far behind me. We clung to each other as we screamed out one another's names and came hard. Eventually we returned to normality and slowed to a halt. I lifted myself up and rolled away from Melissa and she removed the drenched dildo from her pussy and discarded it to one side. I held her and we lay there, soaking up the feeling in the room. I knew that I, too, couldn't get enough.

We made love all night, and for most of the next day, and for several of the nights after that, too. Clara was let down gently, I think she may have seen in coming. And so now I find myself, still with Mel, and grateful that I realised what I did when I did. Initially I thought that Zoe's arrival would change my life, and I wasn't wrong, but I couldn't have told how it would end up. She proved to be the catalyst for me waking up and seeing what was in front of me; what had been there all along.