If You Play Your Cards Right

She told herself it would be quick. In, out, home. Get what she needed at the shop, go home, make dinner and get herself ready for her date with Kirsten. That was the plan, anyway.

But as Mara Brooks strolled through the high street, hands in her pockets, every stride purposeful, she clocked the window and lost her momentum.

A huge promotional poster hung inside.

Introducing,

the Wet for Her range,

in-store now.

10% discount on everything this weekend.

Mara stopped and gave the poster her full attention, because Come Again wasn't exactly unfamiliar territory. She was a familiar face. On first name terms with the staff.

It was where she always went when she wanted to jazz up her own experience, or better still, explore things with someone else.

There had been a time when the younger version of herself would have blushed and hurried straight past a shop like this. But not now. She was on level 33 of life now, and nothing was going to stop her from enjoying every moment of it.

She pulled her hand free, checked her watch, and tried to remind herself she didn't have time for a last-minute shop, or did she?

Cooking dinner for Kirsten, her latest and hopefully last attempt at finding: The One, wasn't too taxing. She'd picked the recipe for its simplicity and ease. Unfortunately, she'd forgotten a vital ingredient, and that was why she was rushing down the high street.

Four dates in with Kirsten, and this was the first time she'd invited her to come over for dinner, and she couldn't deny that she also hoped dinner would turn into staying over.

Kirsten was fun. Her femme energy was everything Mara looked for in a woman. Beautiful. Elegant. The way she moved when she danced had been what had caught Mara's attention first. Kristin had a fondness for lace dresses that clung to her figure. Accentuating the curve of soft breasts caged inside lace, Mara could only imagine the matching knickers that she knew for sure would be underneath any of those dresses Kirsten loved to wear.

And what if Kirsten was really into toys? A new one, bought especially for her, that was romantic, right?

Mara pushed the door open and stepped inside. She loved everything about this store: the friendly staff, the free coffee while you browsed, and a huge selection of things that would make any night in fun.

It was busy as usual. Women in every aisle. All kinds of women. Groups of younger women, all laughing and joking about the size of things. The middle-aged women who were searching for that one thing that would get the job done when their partner wouldn't or couldn't. Those women who just came in for a social gathering. Free coffee was a game changer, Mara thought.

She smiled at the sight. Honestly, who didn't love women? Or coffee?

"Anything I can help you with today?" Brigid met her with a bright smile.

"Hey, Brigid," Mara answered as she fingered a feather boa that draped over a mannequin of a curvy woman's torso. Instantly reminded of Kirsten and what she hoped to find once she finally got her out of her clothes. "I saw the poster. New stuff?"

"Follow me." Brigid winked. "You are going to love this."

"I have no doubt about that, but I am pushed for time. I've got a date later."

"Oh, do tell."

"She's gorgeous, obviously." Mara grinned as she followed Brigid around the store to where the new Wet for Her collection was perfectly arranged for maximum impact. There was a huge rainbow balloon arch at the entrance to the aisle. A celebration of all things gay and fabulous.

"This is…"

"All for women loving women." Brigid grinned. "Carrie spent all night blowing those balloons up."

"Dedicated woman. I might have enjoyed watching that."

Brigid laughed. "She's off the market now."

"Shut up. Catch-me-Carrie got caught?" Mara's eyes widened. "Wow, that's—"

"I know, almost a miracle. Anyway, enough about my enigmatic manager, more about this date. Name?"

"Kirsten." Mara sighed and went all dreamy faced in an instant. "I think she could be the one…which is why tonight needs to be—"

Brigid laughed. "We got you."

She stopped in front of another mannequin. This time, the torso had a bottom half that was chopped off mid-thigh.

"Can I introduce you to the RideHer Boxer." Brigid ran a hand over the material almost reverently. "Honestly? Game changer. Super soft against the skin, strategically placed O-ring so whatever you attach stays exactly where you want it—no matter how enthusiastic things get with...Kirsten."

"Nice. Exactly like the boxers I wear too." Mara picked up the packaged item and studied the box. "And they fit every toy? Cos I've already got quite the selection."

"I sold you most of them, so yes, I am aware." Brigid grinned. "And yes—pretty much compatible with anything in your collection. Plus, there are little pockets built in for a vibe, so you're taken care of too."

Mara nodded, then she noticed something else on one of the shelves further along. "What's that?"

Brigid's eyes lit up. "That," she said, her voice dropping like she was sharing a secret, "is the Comze. Ten speeds, remote control—so whoever's in charge of the evening can play without stopping the fun—but honestly, the real magic is the base. That grinding plate? Means you're not just giving. You're very much in on it too. You won't find that anywhere else—it's completely unique to Wet for Her. Trust me, your Kirsten is going to love you for it."

She handed over the try-it option for Mara to get a feel for it.

“Wow, that’s…” The texture was smooth and soft, almost like skin.

“Right?” Brigid grinned. “We love it! It’s already a popular item. Oh, if you prefer the non-vibrating, there is the fusion.” She reached for another item and held it out.

Mara glanced at it, similar shape and size. “No, I like the vibrator style.”

Mara's phone buzzed. She pulled it free from her pocket and checked the screen, and couldn't hide the smile when she read the name.

Kirsten: Hey, looking forward to later. I was thinking, and I don't want to be presumptuous, but should I be bringing an overnight bag?

Looking up at Brigid, Mara said, "I'll take them both." Before hurriedly typing.

Mara: Not presumptuous at all, in fact…very welcome.

"Fantastic. Let's get you all fixed for a fabulous night."

***

The flat was warm, the late summer sun had been heating it up all day through the windows that faced south. On a really clear day, she was sure she could see the sea from her balcony.

It smelt fresh from the thorough clean Mara had given it that morning—dusting every surface, wiping down the bathroom and kitchen, then sweeping through and vacuuming the floors. She'd even plugged in her wax melter and let the cherry blossom and blackberry float through the small flat.

Getting home, she'd quickly put the lemons on the chopping board, the tiramisù into the fridge, and then remembered the wine and added that alongside the tiramisù. With that all sorted, she moved into the bedroom. Straightening the edge of the freshly changed duvet, even though it didn't need it. Turning on the shower for the water to warm up. Her clothes were ready.

She emptied the contents of the bag onto the bed and picked up the first box. The packaging was awesome, a bright orange sleeve around a strong box.

Tearing off the plastic wrap and taking the dildo out of the protective packaging and admired the way it was presented. There was nothing nicer than realising how much effort someone put into making sure everything about a product was perfect.

She wrapped her palm around it and felt its satisfying weight. Her thumb curved over the base, sending a little thrill through her as she imagined the power of it.

The sound of the shower, however, pulled her away from those thoughts and back into the reality of needing to get moving.

She placed it on the bed and opened the other packaging with the shorts.

The steam was making its way out of the bathroom, but the clock by the bed told her she had just enough time to try it on.

So, she stripped off, her clothes hitting the dirty washing basket like she was Michael Jordan. Then she opened out the shorts, made sure they were the right way around before she pulled them on, turning to face the mirror.

The shorts were a perfect fit. Snug but not restrictive. The little rainbow heart a nice touch. And Brigid was right: the cotton against her skin was soft. She let her fingers pass over the material and imagined Kirsten grabbing her hips, or her arse, she didn't mind which.

Grabbing up the Comze again, she got it attached and then gave said hips a little wiggle and laughed when the toy flopped around like they all did. She always found humour and sex went well together.

Then she remembered the reason she'd bought it and gripped it, rocking her hips against it once, then twice, slow.

The pressure landed just right, and she let out a laugh that turned into a shaky exhale. Oh. Right. That works.

Then she had another thought. What if Kirsten wasn't into toys?

***

It was almost seven. She'd showered and dressed, the new shorts still comfortable against her skin, just in case, and the Comze was on the bedside table, charging.

She checked herself in the mirror once more and adjusted the collar of her shirt. She looked what her mother would call dashing. Hair perfect, just the hint of cologne. She was ready for whatever the night threw at her, and she hoped that was Kirsten.

The more she thought about Kirsten, the more excited she got. It wasn't just the smoky eyes and pouty lips, or the way she could just give a look that had Mara almost panting for more. There was something beneath that outer mask. A vulnerability she wasn't afraid of showing, and then the confidence to process her emotions and thoughts in a way that most adults Mara met struggled with. And if she were really honest, she loved the way Kirsten made her feel a little nervous, not afraid to put her on the spot, curious about her, wanting to know things nobody else cared about.

She checked her watch once more. Then moved to the kitchen and lifted the lid off the saucepan of now boiling water. She threw in the perfectly measured amount of pasta, tossed in a little salt and left it to simmer gently.

The lemons were zested and squeezed, parmesan grated, parsley chopped finely. Everything was ready.

Which was good, because a minute later the doorbell rang. Mara rubbed her hands together and took a deep breath.

Her hand closed around the latch. She paused. Just needing a moment. Tonight, she thought. That’s all we’re focused on, just tonight. Then she opened the door and forgot how to breathe.

Kirsten stood there like a goddess, smiling like she knew something Mara hadn't worked out yet. The overnight bag was on the floor by her feet.

Mara knew that because that's where her eyes had landed. On the heels, the bare ankles and calves. Her gaze rising slowly up, taking in knees and thighs, half-covered by a short, clingy dress. The dress was white, her skin tanned.

Mara's eyes travelled higher. That ample chest that had mesmerised her on the dancefloor, held firm by the dress and whatever she had on underneath. And then her eyes focused back on Kirsten's face again. Full make-up, long, dark curls tumbling around her shoulders.

"Do we need a moment?" Kirsten asked, her smile just edging into smug.

"You look…stunning," Mara managed to get out.

Kirsten's grin widened. "Can I come in?"

Mara caught herself. "Yes, of course. Sorry…let me get that." She reached down for the bag as Kirsten passed her.

"Something smells good," Kirsten said, walking into the small flat. Her eyes moved around the room, curious.

"I think that's you," Mara said, closing the door. "Can we do that again? You deserve a better entrance than me acting like a teenage boy who's never seen a hot woman before."

She dropped the bag and reached for Kirsten's wrist, pulling her close. Her other hand slid to Kirsten's waist, fingers gripping the clingy fabric.

"Hi," she got out, and then her lips pressed firmly against Kirsten's mouth.

Kirsten made a soft sound and kissed her back, sure and eager. Her lips parting and offering an invitation that Mara would never decline. She moaned as the warmth of the kiss deepened and she felt herself pressed up against the cool plastered wall behind her.

"Are you trying to skip dinner?" Kirsten asked when the kiss broke, and Mara's mouth moved down to her neck. A soft gasp escaped when Mara kissed her collarbone.

"No, I just…" Mara let her tongue lick upward. "It's been three days since I've seen you." She stayed close, staring into Kirsten's eyes. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you for appreciating."

Their fingers laced together. "Come on, let me show you around the palace." Mara moved two steps further into the hallway, two doors on each side, almost opposite each other. "Bathroom, kitchen," she said, then spun around, nodding at each door as she went. "Lounge, bedroom."

Kirsten giggled, reached for the bedroom door handle and opened it. "This is where all the action happens then, huh?"

"If you play your cards right." Mara winked and dropped Kirsten's bag inside.

Kirsten's gaze went to the bedside cabinet, the Comze still charging. "For me?"

"If that's something you might like."

Kirsten bit her lower lip. "Attached to you?"

Mara nodded.

"If you play your cards right," Kirsten echoed, winking as she strolled into the lounge.

***

Mara watched as Kirsten dug her fork into the pasta, twirled it a couple of times and then brought it to her mouth.

"Mm, that is…" Kirsten savoured it, letting her taste buds enjoy it to its fullest. When she swallowed, her eyes opened and landed on Mara. "Are you this good at everything you do?"

"Only when inspired." Mara grinned and spun her own pasta onto her fork. "And I feel inspired quite a lot since meeting you."

"I feel like I've known you forever," Kirsten admitted. "I dunno what it is, I just… You make me feel seen and heard and wanted."

"Doesn't everybody?"

Kirsten shook her head. "No. Not really."

Mara reached for her hand. "I'm sorry that's the case. I don't understand how anyone can be around you and not see everything about you."

Kirsten blushed. "You're so getting laid tonight."

"Well, if that's the case." Mara leaned closer. "And I really do hope it is. Let's have the conversation."

"Go on."

"Okay, so, I think it's clear that we are attracted to each other. I mean, look at you." She gestured at all of Kirsten. "And the way you react when I kiss you tells me we've got good chemistry."

"You make me wet when you kiss me, kind of chemistry?"

Mara laughed and nodded. "Uh huh." Then she asked, "Do I?"

"Absolutely soaking," Kirsten whispered.

"Good to know, and uh… likewise." Mara twirled another forkful. "I just…it would be kind of cool to know what you do and don't like in bed, you know. Are you a bottom? A switch?"

"What makes you think I'm not a top?"

Mara grinned at her. "The way your eyes lit up when you spotted the Comze in my bedroom."

"Okay, you win that one. Yes, I enjoy being a bottom, though I can switch it up if you're into that, but I'm not submissive."

"I didn't for one moment think you were."

Kirsten laughed. "Not even hoped for it a little bit?"

"No. I like a woman who knows what she wants and isn't going to shy away from telling me."

"And if I told you right now, I want to climb on top of you on the couch while you kiss and finger me?"

Mara put her fork down and pushed the plate away. She stood and held out her hand. "I'd say I'm full, and we should make that work for you."

Kirsten took the offered hand, letting herself be led the five or six steps it took to cross from the table to the couch. Mara flopped down, got herself settled, and then reached out, tugging Kirsten closer.

"Do I need to tell you to take my knickers off?" Kirsten said, gazing down at her.

Mara took hold of the hem of her dress and lifted it until it was around Kirsten's waist, enjoying the sight of white lace and the tiny pink bow. Then she gazed up, eyes locked on each other, and dragged the flimsy material down.

Kirsten stepped out of them and then, one knee at a time, either side of Mara's lap, she positioned herself. She took Mara's hand and brought it between her legs as she moved in and claimed her mouth.

"Just like that," she said, mouth at Mara's. "Touch me."

The kiss was slow and deep. She surrendered the kissing to Kirsten and let her fingers do the thinking. Trying hard to shut down the part of her brain that wouldn't stop pointing out she had her hand between Kirsten's thighs.

Slow, circular movements against the perfectly swollen, hardening clit, had Kirsten moaning into her mouth. Her hips moving gently with the movement, slowly speeding up as her need increased and Mara read it. Sliding her fingers lower until she could feel nothing but her lover's essence and heat.

Kirsten arched and moaned so deeply from the sensation of Mara's fingers sliding inside of her that Mara almost came in her own pants.

"Fuck, that's good…" Kirsten gasped, the kissing on hold as she now focused on the way they were now joined as one. "I need…more."

Mara eased out and then added a third finger. "Like that?"

"Hm hm." Kirsten managed, her face now almost buried in Mara's neck. When Mara curled her fingers, Kirsten cried out, "Right there. Don't stop."

And she didn't.

Because why would she?

***

Kirsten tensed, bit down against Mara's shoulder and muffled the cry of ecstasy that tore out of her.

Her palm stroked Mara's face, and then they were kissing again, quick and hungry. Mara's fingers hooked under the hem and pushed the dress higher.

"I want this off," Mara said when they broke apart, breathless and gasping. "And then bedroom."

Kirsten giggled, sat up, and peeled the dress over her head. Then she reached behind and unclipped her bra.

"There." She tossed the bra to join her dress and knickers. "Now you have me naked and you're fully dressed. That feels very unfair."

Mara barely heard her. Kirsten's breasts were right there—full, heavy, nipples tight and hard against her skin. She couldn't look anywhere but Kirsten's breasts and the hard nipples begging for her mouth.

Mara stared longer than she'd meant to, but Kirsten didn't call her out. She just let her look—and enjoyed it too. The way Mara looked at her was a turn-on.

"You like them, don't you?" Kirsten finally said. All Mara could manage was a nod. "Take me to bed, let me ride you till dawn, and you can do whatever you want with them."

"Let's go," Mara said, slapping Kirsten's bare arse.

Kirsten grinned, got up and kicked off her heels. Now barefoot, she walked off towards the bedroom, leaving Mara to try and remember how to think.

"Don't be long," Kirsten called out, "and get those clothes off."

Mara didn't hesitate, yanking her shirt off, then her sports bra. She was unbuttoning her trousers and trying to walk all at the same time, letting them drop to the floor in the hallway.

When she walked into the bedroom, she stopped dead. Kirsten was already lying on top of the duvet. She had the Comze in her hand, the soft buzz giving away that she'd turned it on.

“Setting five’s my favourite.” She grinned at Mara. “And what’s this?”

“That is a grinding button.”

“So the more I move, the more you feel?”

Mara laughed. “Hopefully.”

“Sounds fun,” Kirsten said, but her attention moved away from the toy and onto Mara, sweeping her gaze from head to midriff, and landing on the shorts.

"Are you going to take those off?"

"No," Mara said, climbing onto the bed and crawling up until she was able to kneel in front of Kirsten. She took the toy from her. "These have a job to do."

"Oh, and what's—" Kirsten glanced down and noticed the O-ring. "Oh, I see." She tugged the waistband forward and traced the O-ring, then slipped her fingers through with a pleased little hum. A wry smile came over her face. "Genius."

"And comfy too," Mara said. "Wanna do the honours and set me up?"

"Only if you promise," Kirsten said, adjusting the vibration to one she thought might be nice, "that I get to taste you after."

Mara smiled, leaned in and kissed her. "Why don't we make that mutual?"

Kirsten pushed the Comze through the hole and secured it. "I'm on top for that too."

"Of course you are." Mara laughed and adjusted the base until it sat snug against her clit.

Kirsten reached for it, wrapped her palm around it and gave it a slow, firm stroke. She bit her lower lip, watching Mara's face as the sensation hit. "I see how that button works now."

Mara let her play with it, teasing and tugging until she could barely stand it any longer. She reached over to the bedside cabinet and opened a drawer, her eyes still on Kirsten as her fingers searched for the bottle she knew was in there.

"Here, lube me up." She flipped the top and squeezed some into Kirsten's waiting hand. Then she positioned herself against the pillows. "Or you could use your mouth, I don't mind."

Kirsten smirked. "You wish," she said as she rubbed the lube against the silicone.

"Hey, what can I say?" Mara held her hands up. "I'm a very visual woman. That's why I like your boobs so much."

"Oh yes. I almost forgot." Kirsten moved in, straddling Mara's lap for the second time that evening. Cupping her own breasts, she leant forward, nudging her nipple against Mara's lips. "Is this what you want?"

Mara gazed up at her, lips parting. "I just want you. Every part of you."

Her hands moved away from her breasts to cup Mara's face. "Don't say things you won't mean later."

"I will mean it," Mara said solemnly. "I want you. Every part you offer me. And I want to return it. I want you to want me that way too." Mara's hands landed on Kirsten's waist, urging her to move closer. "I want to be inside you, not just with this." She moved her hips and the Comze buzzed against Kirsten's clit.

"Fuck," Kirsten whispered.

"Let me show you." One hand moved from Kirsten and gripped the toy, guiding it as Kirsten raised up and accepted the offer.

Smooth silicone, firm where it needed to be. When Kirsten shifted, the grinding plate found Mara's clit and stayed there, pressure building with each slow roll of Kirsten's hips.

It wasn't just penetration. It was contact. Friction. The kind that made Mara's thighs tighten and her stomach pull in hard. Being hands-free was always a bonus she enjoyed, and she used it to reach up and cup Kirsten's breasts, squeezing in rhythm with her thrusts, letting her dictate the pace. She groaned as the base hit her clit while Kirsten’s hard nipples rubbed against her palm.

Kirsten swallowed, then sank down again, taking more this time. "That's…perfect," she breathed, voice gone rough.

She rolled her hips, slow and deliberate, testing the angle. The O-ring held steady. The grinding base didn't. It moved with her—pressed in, then eased off, then found its way back with the next roll, designed for exactly this.

Mara's breath hitched. "You feel that?"

Kirsten's eyes fluttered closed. "I feel everything."

The base kept pressing against Mara's clit—enough that she couldn't forget her own body even while she watched Kirsten fall apart.

Kirsten's mouth found Mara's neck again, teeth grazing, then a kiss. "Harder," she whispered.

Mara did as she was asked, rocking up into her, steady and deep. Kirsten's breath hitched, then broke.

"I'm close."

"Come with me," Mara said, soft and certain.

Kirsten did—body going tense, then shaking, a cry spilling out as she came hard, clinging to Mara as if she couldn't decide whether to laugh or sob.

Mara kissed her cheek, her mouth, her breast, and then rocked up once more. The base pressed in and pleasure flooded through her, fast and bright. She came with a shuddering exhale, holding Kirsten close, her mouth suctioned on a nipple.

For a moment, they stayed there, tangled and warm, the world narrowed down to breath and skin and the soft hum fading between them.

Kirsten brushed her thumb over Mara's mouth. "Hi," she whispered, smiling.

Mara smiled back. "Hi."

"So… That was intense."

"Yeah," Kirsten breathed, hips twitching. "I think… I might not be done."

Mara began to thrust once more. "Still want to be on top?"

"Uh huh," Kirsten said, setting a quicker pace. "I need you to rub my clit."

Mara's hand slid between them without breaking the rhythm. She found Kirsten quickly—warm, slick, already swollen—and Kirsten's whole body jolted when Mara's fingers circled her clit.

"Like that?" Mara asked, voice low.

"Yes. Exactly. Don't—" The word dissolved as she rode down harder, chasing the angle she wanted.

Mara kept her touch consistent, two fingers braced against Kirsten's mound while her thumb worked small, firm circles. The grinding base pressed snug against Mara's clit every time Kirsten rolled her hips, and Mara couldn't decide which was better—watching Kirsten fall apart, or feeling her own pleasure build again.

Kirsten's hands slid down Mara's chest, nails scraping lightly over her skin, and Mara shivered. Kirsten looked down then, eyes dark and bright all at once, and the sight of her—hair a mess, lips swollen from kissing—hit Mara right in the gut.

"You're so…" Kirsten swallowed. "You're so good."

Mara's throat tightened. "You feel incredible."

Kirsten rocked faster, breath coming in sharp pulls. "I'm close," she managed. "I'm—Mara, I'm—"

"Come," Mara growled, and the word came out rough. She didn't soften it. She didn't need to. Not with Kirsten.

Kirsten's body went tense again, then shook. She came hard, a broken sound spilling out of her as she rode it out, hips stuttering while Mara kept the toy steady and her thumb right where Kirsten needed it. Kirsten collapsed forward, forehead against Mara's, trembling.

Mara didn't get a second to recover. The grinding base dragged against her clit with Kirsten's next small movement. Mara groaned, fingers digging into Kirsten's hips as she thrust up once, twice, grinding against it—then she came again too, shaking, breathless, holding Kirsten like she was the only thing keeping her anchored to reality.

Kirsten lifted her head, blinking, dazed. "Ready for dessert yet?" she murmured.

Mara laughed, kissed her, slow and swollen. "The only thing I'm eating next, is you."