The Motivated Employee Pt. 13

Author's Note: Thanks for all your feedback and kind words. I appreciate any feedback and read all the comments.

The sun was not quite setting when Jo pulled into the driveway. Celina's car wasn't there yet.

Good.

She tossed her keys on the counter, greeted Kenny the terrier, slipped into her swim gear, and padded barefoot down the wooden steps to the beach. The cold wind nipped at her skin and her towel was slung over one shoulder.

The last few weeks had been a lesson in letting go. Celina had stayed over at Dani's a few nights. Always with notice, of course. Jo told herself it was fine. They were poly. This was part of it. She didn't own Celina. That wasn't the kind of relationship they had.

But every now and then, in quiet spaces like this one, she'd catch herself wondering: What if she leaves? What if Dani offers her something I can't? Like peace and calm and predictability.

She sighed to herself. Perhaps this was karma itself at work. This was probably what Celina felt and would have continued to feel if Jo had hooked up with someone by now. Into the water she waded.

It was later than usual, and the tide had cooled. The ocean bit at her ankles. Then her shins, knees, thighs. The cold climbed up her body until it reached her stomach, and then -

Nothing else mattered.

Not Celina.

Not Dani.

Not the other doctors at the hospital.

Not a random traumatic memory being triggered.

All that existed was the sting of the water and the way her lungs shortened their breath. She focused there, on that edge. Breath in. Hold. Out. Again.

Her therapist Laura had told her to find something that wouldn't give her control, but make her practice surrender. "Pick something that pushes back," she'd said. "Something you can't beat but can breathe through."

She had wanted to choose Celina spanking her - only half as a joke. So she chose the sea.

When she could no longer stand the ache in her limbs, she came out. Hands blue, feet numb, body reborn. She dried off with quick, rough movements, ignoring the curious glances of a few passers-by.

"Brave," one woman said with a laugh as Jo passed.

The house was warm when she stepped inside.

"Hey," Celina called from the kitchen.

They'd been together years but the sound of Celina's voice still hit something raw.

"Hey," Jo said, tossing her towel into the laundry hamper from the doorway. Kenny trotted after her, toenails clicking on the floor. "You just get in?"

"5 minutes ago." Celina held up a mug. "Made you a tea."

Jo accepted it, fingers still half-numb. The warmth was welcome. "Thanks."

They settled in, like they always did--talk of patients, charts, clients. Kenny lay curled on his mat. The usual rhythm, until Celina paused.

"By the way," she said casually, like it was about the weather. "Dani's interested in... maybe a threesome."

She took a sip of her drink, let the warmth coat her throat. Play it cool, she told herself. Perhaps easier given the seas cold remaining in her lungs.

"Yeah?" she said, evenly. "I wasn't sure if she had it in her."

Inside, though, she was already picturing it. Dani's flushed face, the way her breath caught sometimes when she got flustered.

Celina raised an eyebrow, just slightly. She wasn't fooled.

"Mmm," she hummed, stirring her tea. "You sound very unsure for someone whose pupils just dilated."

Jo gave a lazy shrug, but she couldn't stop the edge of a smile tugging at her mouth. Celina put her hand over hers and gently laughed. Jo rested her head in her other hand, and looked contently at Celina.

When she didn't say anything, Celina continued. "She's curious. I told her I'd speak to you."

Jo's fingers stilled on the mug as her mind wandered back to what she knew about Dani - how she'd never been with a woman before Celina. How before that, it had all been the same old, boring straight men.

That thought settled over her like a quiet flame, sparking something unexpected inside. "Do you think she's scared of me?"

"Scared?"

Jo gave a small shrug. "Not frightened. Just... careful. Like she's walking near a ticking time bomb."

"She doesn't see you like that. You two had coffee together. You both told me it was nice - separately."

Jo huffed a soft laugh, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, but she gets this look sometimes. Like she's afraid she'll say or do the wrong thing. Like I'm... sharp around the edges."

Celina looked up like she was thinking. "Remember that quiet lesbian you met at that backpacker's hostel in Spain?"

Jo's lips curved into a small smile. "I remember. She got loud when I bought her cocktails."

Celina smile grew big. "Yeah, well, you knocked her socks off by taking her back to your bunk that night."

Jo smiled, "You left your socks on, I remember. You were all embarrassed to show your feet. While I was tongue-deep in your pussy."

Celina glanced away, her grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "My point is, people seeming intimidated by you isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes people are just waiting to see what you'll do next. They're in awe of it."

Jo raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

"I know so. And I think Dani realises that, too."

"How do I know for sure?"

She found out that weekend. On the Saturday afternoon, Jo made the trek back from the beach up to the house. Her towel hung loose around her neck. It was damp and didn't help a bit against the wind, needling at her skin. She come to find some comfort in the sting. As she came through the gate into the backyard, she squinted against the last rays of sunlight. The kitchen window caught the glow. The cold had her nipples stiff under her one-piece but she didn't bother covering up. It was her home.

Jo thought about the night ahead - Dani was coming over. Just to talk.

That's how Celina had said it, all casual-like, stirring her coffee absently. "Just to talk about it," she'd said, with that half-smile creeping onto her lips. Then she winked.

Dani was nervous - Celina had told her that much. Not scared. Just navigating her way through something new. There couldn't be any expectations, Celina had said. They had to meet her where she was, not where they wanted her to be.

"Alright, I'll play it cool." she'd replied. But she also knew Celina and her wink. It was her way of saying I trust you to be careful - and I kind of hope you won't be too careful. It meant, ultimately, Celina wanted to be herself.

And now Jo was giddy with excitement. That's why she'd tried to tame some of it by going for a dip. She'd come out of the water shivering and her thoughts clearer, but not clean.

The two times they'd met in person - Dani couldn't quite meet her eyes for long. The way she fidgeted when she didn't know where to put her hands. The way she didn't know how to hide her soft, vulnerable places yet. Celina had told her about the sex they'd had, but Jo hadn't needed the stories. She'd picked it early on - Dani was pliable and still learning who she was allowed to be. That's what had drawn Celina in. And now, inevitably, Jo too.

"She's so fucking sweet," Jo gushed, dropping onto the couch next to Celina after returning from coffee with Dani. "But she doesn't even know what she's giving away, half the time."

Celina didn't say anything, just watched her with that knowing little smile.

Later that night, as Jo had wrapped her legs tighter around Celina's waist, she leaned up, breath warm against her ear.

"I want to fuck her until she forgets her own name," she whispered.

Celina had smiled down at her, hips still moving. "Yeah? And then what?"

Jo's hands slid up her back, pulling her closer.

"Then I want to wrap her up in my arms," she murmured. "And keep her there."

Now in the backyard, Jo stepped behind the privacy of the hedge-lined fence - mostly private, except for the clear view from the kitchen window. Kenny trotted after her, tail wagging, then flopped into a patch of sun-warmed grass with a satisfied grunt. In one smooth motion, she tugged down the damp swimsuit. She laid her bathing suit to rest on the fence, propped her leg up on a wooden chair and dried herself off more thoroughly. She'd have a little more time to shower before Dani arrived - Celina had said about 7, which Jo guessed was about an hour away.

Jo wrapped the towel around herself and stepped inside, relaxed, Kenny following her - until she spotted Dani at the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone.

Oh.

Her pulse kicked up. That time already?

"Oh, hey Dani!" Jo said brightly, masking her surprise with a smile--though she didn't quite hide the flicker of amusement in her voice. Like being caught wasn't exactly a problem. Maybe even a little fun.

Dani's eyes flicked up. "Hey, Jo." Hmmm. Her voice was a bit off.

"You okay?" Jo asked, studying her.

"Yeah - fine."

Jo glanced briefly toward the window.

"The kitchen window's got a pretty good view, doesn't it?" she said, her smile fading outside but growing inside.

Dani's fingers tightened around her phone. "You must see some amazing sunsets," she said, not even glancing toward the window.

Jo felt wicked. She stepped towards Dani, wrapped only in a towel. "You watched me undress, didn't you?"

Dani's entire face flushed crimson and looked down. "I - no. I mean - I didn't mean to."

She stepped closer, close enough to feel Dani's panic simmering between them.

"Her voice dropped, soft and scolding, like she was talking to someone who'd been caught sneaking candy from the kitchen cupboard.

Dani's voice faltered. "I didn't mean to - "

"Didn't say I minded."

She leaned in just slightly, landing her hand on the marble counter near Dani's hip. "Did you like what you saw?" she asked softly.

Dani's mouth opened and closed, as if she couldn't decide whether to speak or not. Finally, she nodded--just barely.

Jo's smiled. "I thought so." She reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Dani's ear. "You still get nervous around me," Jo said, almost tenderly. "But you've shown up. Makes me want to see just how far you'll let me take you."

Dani's breath caught, her lips parted. Jo took a step closer, just enough for Dani to feel the pull between them. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you want to kiss me." Jo's voice dropped, barely more than a whisper.

"So? You want to?"

Dani was frozen.

Jo didn't move. She let the question linger, gave Dani the chance to close the gap if she was brave enough. Then Celina's voice floated in from the other room. She was wrapping up a phone call.

Jo's eyes flicked toward the hallway for a second, then back to Dani. She pulled back just enough.

"We should wait until she's off the phone,' Jo murmured. "Or else I'm going to forget to be polite."

At that moment, Celina stepped into the room, phone still in hand. Her gaze flicked from Jo's towel to Dani's flushed cheeks, and something like satisfaction glimmered in her eyes--like a painter admiring the first brushstrokes of a long-anticipated piece.

"Did I miss something?" Celina looked them over carefully.

"Just getting to know your girl a little better."

Celina shot Jo an amused look as she walked over. "Is she playing nice, Dani? You okay?" She brushed her hand gently along her back.

Dani nodded, though her eyes stayed wide and cheeks stayed pink. "Yep. Everything's great." Kenny barked once, as if in agreement.

Jo chuckled, as she walked off to the ensuite to shower. "She saw me naked. It's been a big evening."

Later that night, the three of them lounged around the low coffee table in the living room, the wine bottle nearly empty. Jo had showered, Celina and Dani prepared dinner. Jo had kept her distance while they were cooking just so Dani could regain her bearings. And Jo had been impressed by the dinner. The night before, when she had asked Celina what they might eat, she'd been ready with a few ideas ideas - light meals, mainly. But before she could get a word out, Celina had said, "I got this."

Now, Celina sat cross-legged on a cushion, Dani beside her, glass in hand, wine easing her flusteredness from earlier. Outside, Kenny was happily asleep on his mat--banished for the evening so he wouldn't interrupt. He'd protested with exactly three offended barks before settling under the porch light, thoroughly put out and then thoroughly asleep.

Jo had cleverly nudged the conversation toward threesomes, all under the guise of a stories about travel. She leaned back into the couch, knees pulled up, arms draped around them loosely. She leaned back into the couch, her knees up, and her arms loosely hugging them, as she recounted: "She painted these wild ocean scenes, and her boyfriend sculpted with clay and talked like everything mattered. They were.... free spirits. Not sure I'd get along with them in everyday life now. But they were fun to meet on holiday. And it wasn't planned. It just happened."

"How does something like that just happen?" Dani asked.

Jo smirked. "I was traveling with a group, and they were at the same pub. We were all drunk, and talking about sex. They told everyone they were open. After that, I couldn't resist - flirted shamelessly with Kate until she took me asked me to come with them."

Celina rolled her eyes affectionately. "You always make it sound so casual."

Dani furrowed her brow. "Wait. You slept with a guy?"

Jo's tapped her chin. "Technically, no."

"Okay... but do you like them watching you?"

"Not really," Jo said shrugged.

Dani blinked. "So... he was just kind of there?"

"Basically." Jo said. "He knew the deal. She was on her knees for me before he even got his jeans off."

She traced a finger lazily around the rim of her mug. "I had her bent over the side of the bed, begging. He watched me eat her from behind until she was shaking, until her voice cracked. He didn't touch her until she looked over her shoulder and asked for it."

Jo's tone was casual, but there was heat beneath it. "Even then, I kept my hand on her throat. Just so she remembered who got her there."

Dani was speechless. She'll find her voice tonight, Jo thought. And I'll make her lose it again.

Celina smirked. "You enjoy the stage too much, Jo."

Jo glanced over at her. "And you love the show."

Celina gently bumped Dani's shoulder. "Still with us?"

Dani nodded. "Yeah. Just... my brain's not cooperating." Her knees pulled in just a little, like she was trying to make herself smaller.

Jo smiled. God, she's cute, she thought. Push a bit more. "It's called voyeurism. When you enjoy watching other people having sex." She repositioned her legs so to face Dani. "Or watching them undress."

Dani smiled and looked away.

It's time, Jo thought to herself. "Celina. Be a darling and clear the table for me?"

"Alright," she said softly, gathering the empty glasses and bottle, before disappearing down the hall without another word.

Jo waited until the clink of glass faded.

Then she looked at Dani. She was directly facing her.

"You're nervous again," Jo said softly.

Dani gave a breathless laugh, eyes flicking away. "A little... look, I'm sorry about bef-"

Jo smiled. "Stop apologising. Or I'll start to think you like being scolded."

Dani looked like she was about to say something. But ended up just nodding.

"I wanted a moment with you. No distractions." Jo said.

"Why?" Dani asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Because if we're going to do this... I want you to know you're not just an extra." Her tone dropped, silken and sure. "Celina and I have fucked a million times. You and Celina have your own thing, too. But you and I -" She let the pause stretch. Dani swallowed. Jo leaned in until her lips were a breath away. "We've never fucked," she whispered. "Have we, Dani?"

Dani's breath hitched. "No," she murmured.

"Not yet anyway." Jo replied.

Jo knew she had been ready for a while, and leaned in and kissed her gently anyway. Dani stilled, then melted into it. Jo tasted the white wine on her lips, and slid her hand behind her neck. They must have kissed like that for about a minute - Jo let Dani ease into it. When she finally pulled back, Dani let out a nervous giggle, cheeks flushed. Jo smiled at that. "You're warm," she said, hands brush down Dani's arms.

"Yeah, I feel like I'm glowing." Dani replied, sheepishly.

Jo hooked a finger under the hem of Dani's top. "Let's get you out of this. Might help you to cool down."

Dani nodded, lifting her arms as Jo peeled the fabric off. When Dani's top half was bare apart from her bra, Jo let out a breath. "This is why you're overheating."

Jo pushed herself onto her knees, and from slightly above, she lightly brushed her lips over Dani's again. Dani's hands lightly rested against her waist as her lips searched Jo's.

Jo's fingers found their way to Dani's bare skin, gliding up her sides. She paused just beneath her bra, eyes flicking to Dani's for permission. When Dani didn't pull away--only breathed a little faster--Jo let her fingers trace upward, feather-light over the swell of her breasts.

"These are perfect," she murmured, fingers brushing the edge of Dani's bra. "No wonder Celina can't keep her hands off you."

Dani flushed deeper, lips parted.

"If it helps," Jo added, voice like smoke, "I'll lose mine too."

She peeled off her shirt in one smooth motion and let it fall, her eyes never leaving Dani's.

"Now we're... we're even," Dani stuttered as she stared at the bra that held Jo's breasts. Jo guided Dani's hands upward, feeling the heat from Dani's palms on her own chest. Her hands covering Dani's to show her how to move, how to press.

Then she leaned in and kissed her.

Not soft. Not tentative.

Her mouth found Dani's with hunger, lips parting to draw her in. Dani melted into it--into her--her hands still cradling Jo's chest, now moving instinctively under Jo's direction. Their tongues tangled, slow at first, then deeper, wetter, until Jo could taste the quiet, desperate noise Dani made when she exhaled through her nose.

Jo swallowed it, swallowed her, kissed her like she was coaxing something out--like she wanted to taste the exact moment Dani stopped thinking and started needing.

And she could feel it. Right there in the way Dani's hands clutched tighter, how her body leaned in with more urgency, breath quickening between kisses.

She was falling. And Jo would be the soft place to break her fall. Or rough, if that's what she wanted.

Then Celina's voice cut through the moment, sharp and amused. Dani froze instantly, heat rushing to her cheeks.

"Well, well, well. What have you two been up to?" Celina said, stepping into the doorway.

Her eyes flicked between Dani's caught-in-the-act expression and their lack of clothes.

Jo held back a snicker as Dani quickly turned her back, struggling to compose herself. Celina ran her hands through her curly hair, still smiling with that teasing glint in her eyes.

Jo scooted up closer behind Dani, sliding her arms around her waist with ease, her hands moving with slow confidence. Dani's body relaxing back into the contact, trusting.

"We were just warming up," she said playfully, looking into Celina's eyes. Jo's fingers began to tease over Dani's breasts again, lightly.

Jo leaned close to Dani's ear, her voice dropping to a private whisper.

"You like pleasing her, don't you?"

"Yeah," Dani breathed.

Jo smiled. "Good. Pleasing her means pleasing me too."

Celina stepped forward, unbuttoning her flannel shirt and letting it slip off her shoulders, revealing a black tee beneath.

Jo's fingers slipped under Dani's bra clasp, easing it off. The straps slid down Dani's arms and the bra fell to the floor. Her eyes traced the delicate pink of Dani's areolas, matching the blush on her cheeks. They fit perfectly in Jo's palm as her hands grazed over them.

"Soft and warm, right?" Celina said, kneeling down in front of Dani.

"So fucking soft." Jo murmured.

"You two look good together." Celina said as she kneeled forward, her hands settling on Dani's hips.

Behind her, Jo stayed close, fingers gently playing with around Dani's nipples. She gently pinched them - just enough to test her reaction.

Dani gasped, breath hitching sharp in her throat.

"Ooh, you liked that,"' she murmured, satisfied.

Celina reached out, cupping Dani's face in both hands before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. "You okay with this?" she murmured. Dani sighed and nodded, her hands catching the edges of Celina's shirt, holding her close. Celina kissed her.

Celina looked up to Jo - her smile slow and sure - and kissed her too. It was a different kiss: familiar, deep, threaded with heat and shared history. Jo met it without hesitation, one hand still steady on Dani, the other sliding up to cradle the back of Celina's neck.

Celina leaned back down and trailed kisses down Dani's chest. Jo gently cradled Dani's breasts towards Celina's lips. She caught one, kissing over its curve.

With her other hand, Jo cradled Dani's jaw toward her and kissed her again. Between breaths, Jo pulled back just enough to speak. "Have you been with two women before, Dani?"

Dani responded, barely a whisper. "No."

Jo giggled. "Do you think you can handle us both at once?"

Dani paused. "I hope... I hope so." she whispered.

Jo smirked. "Are you wet?"

Celina carefully pulled Dani's legs out and apart. From above, Jo saw the dark patch on Dani's grey underpants.

Jo leaned in close, her breath brushing Dani's ear. "Good girl," she murmured. "Now- can I touch you?"

"Yes," she breathed, need threaded through the word.

Jo didn't wait for more. The hand cradling Dani's head released and trailing deliberately downward. When her fingers lightly pressed against Dani's clit through her underwear, it was with unmistakable, slow intent.

Dani let out a soft, trembling gasp, her body instinctively arching toward Jo's touch. The pressure on her clit through the fabric of her underwear sent a wave of heat through her. She bit her lip, but the whimper escaped anyway.

Jo's eyes locked onto her, watching her every reaction. "Aw, don't be shy. We want to hear you."

Dani's breath caught in her throat, her face flushed, but the need coursing through her only grew. "Please..."

Jo smiled, a slow, wicked grin. "Please what, Dani?"

"Please... please keep touching me."

Celina slowly tugged down Dani's underwear, her fingers brushing against the softness of Dani's skin as she did. Jo's hand up and along her pubic bone, driving the slow, teasing movement driving her further into a haze of anticipation.

"As you wish." Jo gave her nipple, a quick, sharper squeeze.

Dani's body jolted at the touch. Jo's hand moved from Dani's hip to her folds, her fingers pressing against the slickness there, feeling the heat of Dani's arousal. She couldn't help but let out a low chuckle, her fingers teasing along Dani's wetness. "You're dripping, Dani," Jo commented.

Celina's hands roamed, gliding over Dani's thighs and cupping the curve of her ass before settling at her wrists, pinning them gently to the floor. Jo met Celina's eyes with a slow, mischievous smile as her fingers began to trace slow, deliberate circles over Dani's clit, eliciting quiet gasps.

Celina leaned in, brushing her lips over Dani's, a kiss that lingered, unhurried and warm. When she pulled back, her voice was a soft murmur against Dani's cheek. "Was this like your dream?" she asked, her breath a tease against skin.

Jo grinned, her voice playful and wicked. "Oh? Now I really want to hear about it."

Celina slid a finger inside Dani making her arch slightly.

Her fingers still circling with maddening

slowness. "But first," she purred, "let's hear you beg."

Dani let out a shaky moan, her hips instinctively rolling toward Celina's hand. "I need more," she gasped. "I need you both to stop teasing."

They both chuckled, Jo's breath tickling Dani's neck. "But teasing you is so much fun," she murmured.

Celina kissed Dani's neck on the otherside before murmuring, "Just a little longer, baby. Can you do that?"

"I - " Dani's voice broke again as Jo's fingers resumed their torturous circles. "I don't know. I'm so close..."

"You hear that, Cel? She thinks she's close." Jo smirked.

"Oh, sweetie," said Celina. "You're going to learn the difference real soon."

Dani was caught between laughing and moaning. "You're actually torturing me."

Jo kissed the corner of her mouth. "You're gonna thank us."

But they didn't stop. They kept her right there - on that trembling edge - working her up only to pull back again. Over and over, until her body was practically vibrating with need. Then, Celina met Jo's eyes and gave her a different look - one that said now.

Jo's pinch on Dani's nipple tightened, just enough to pull a desperate gasp from her. Dani thrashed beneath them, breathless and wild. "Please - please, I can't - I need to come, please -"

Celina's finger moved with purpose this time, her voice still soft but commanding. "Let go, baby."

And Dani did - with a broken cry. She came hard, helpless, squirting in pulses that splashed across Celina's face and t-shirt. Celina and Jo laughed, Celina holding Dani's wrist tighter as if to anchor her through the storm.

Dani collapsed against Jo, trembling and boneless, her breath shallow and uneven. She was flushed everywhere - cheeks, chest, neck - her skin damp and glowing. There was a stunned softness to her face, the kind Jo had only ever seen in moments when they had been truly undone.

Celina leaned in to kiss along Dani's stomach, tender now, the edge gone. Jo gently brushed damp hair from Dani's forehead, watching the way Dani blinked slowly, like she wasn't fully back in her body yet.

Jo smiled and pressed a kiss to the side of her face. "Took you long enough," she teased gently. "You okay?"

Dani let out a breath, still catching up. "Yeah. Good."

Then, after a beat, her voice quieter:

"You okay?"

Jo's smile widened, a little warmer this time. "I'm great."

She figured Dani asked because she didn't know what else to say--still riding the aftershocks, maybe a little shy now that the heat had ebbed. Jo liked the way Dani reached for connection, even when she wasn't sure how.

She gave her arm a gentle squeeze.

"Hey," she said softly, "you don't have to worry about me right now."

She reached behind them and pulled a throw blanket from the back of the couch, draping it gently over Dani's shoulders. Dani sank into the warmth, her body finally beginning to relax.

Celina stood with a stretch, wiping at her face with the back of her arm. "Be right back," she murmured. "Gonna clean up and grab a few more blankets."

Jo watched her go, then looked down at Dani--how quiet she'd gone, how soft her expression had turned now that the urgency had faded. She gave her another squeeze.

Moments later, Celina returned, carrying a glass of water. She knelt beside the couch and held it out to Dani with a small smile.

"Here," she said softly.

Dani cradled the glass with both hands, sipping slowly. Then she leaned back into Jo's arm, letting herself be held completely. Celina settled close beside them again, lowering herself onto the floor against the couch and resting her chin lightly against Dani's shoulder.

The room was quiet except for Dani's breath slowing while the two women held her.

After a moment, Jo shifted quietly, slipping off the couch and heading down the hall toward the bathroom, leaving Dani and Celina wrapped in the stillness. Dani closes her eyes and rested in Celina's arms.

In the bathroom, she turned on the tap, letting the cool water run over her hands. The cold felt grounding against her skin. She leaned forward, bracing her hands on the sink for a moment, then looked up into the mirror.

Her reflection stared back: flushed cheeks, blue eyes sparkling with life, a light sheen of sweat at her dark, full hairline. Yeah. She looked good and felt good.

Dani had come hard - loud, shaking, soaking Celina in the process - and Jo had felt every second of it from behind her. It had taken both of them to get her there, and Jo felt a quiet pride in that. Teamwork, she thought with a grin.

She smirked to herself as she dried her hands on a towel, the heat of it still humming under her skin. Dani was flushed and dazed, still too soft around the edges to meet Jo's eyes for long. She loved that.

Still... Dani was clearly spent. Tucked under a blanket. Barely sipping water. It made Jo's chest swell a little with satisfaction - and also had her lifting a brow at herself in the mirror.

So, she thought, tilting her head, am I just going to be smug and orgasm-less tonight?

She let the thought hang as she turned off the light and stepped into the hallway, her smile widening as she heard Celina's voice from the living room.

"Guess I was in the splash zone," Celina said, dabbing at the damp patch on her shirt with a tissue. "Should've let Jo take my seat instead."

Jo walked in just in time to catch the end of it, her voice smooth and amused.

"You think I would've worn it better?"

Celina turned her head, grinning.

"Babe, you wear everything better than me."

Jo settled back onto a pillow opposite them. Dani stirred at her presence but didn't move from Celina's embrace, her eyes still half-lidded with the weight of everything that had just rolled through her.

They sat like that for a while - warm, quiet, exchanging easy remarks and soft laughter. Dani insisted more than once that she was fine, just needed to breathe for a second. She was still flushed, her hair a little damp against her temple, but there was a loose contentment to her now, softened even further by the way she leaned against Celina's shoulder.

"You're spent," she said finally, not unkindly. Her fingers gave Dani's calf a gentle squeeze. "Let's get a raincheck."

Both Celina and Dani blinked up at her, Dani's brows lifting like she wanted to protest - but Jo just smiled.

"Don't worry. I'll collect."