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The first thing she notices as she slowly registers the world around her is the hangover. The intense headache and nausea are an old but not forgotten friend. The next thing she notices as she slowly opens her eyes is Ava's bare back next to her.
There are so many things she should focus on but all she wants to do is kiss the spot between Ava's shoulder blades. As the thought enters her head, her body automatically leans toward the one next to her. She feels the muscles under her lips twitch as her lips make contact, and a soft sigh escapes Ava's lips. The sound sends a jolt of warmth through her, momentarily distracting her from the pounding in her head. She closes her eyes again, savoring the moment, the intimacy of it all.
Ava smells like sleep and sex, and it's intoxicating and soothes her hangover, making her take another deep breath.
"You know there are probably some people that would find it creepy to wake up to someone sniffing them."
"Oh shut up, you smell good."
"Hmmm let me see .." she turns over and buries her face in Deb's neck and inhales deeply.
Deb moans as Ava places open-mouthed kisses on her neck, down her throat, and toward her chest.
She groans at the loss as Ava looks up and says, "You smell good, too." And then immediately takes her nipple into her mouth causing her back to arch to get closer.
"You taste good too," Ava says with a pop.
Deb chuckles, her heart racing as she pulls Ava closer.
"Okay, fair point. But you might be setting a dangerous precedent here."
Ava grins, her lips brushing against Deb's collarbone.
"Dangerous? I prefer to think of it as... enticing." She nips playfully at Deb's skin, eliciting another soft moan.
Ava's playful teasing sent shivers down Deb's spine, igniting warmth in her stomach. She gasped for breath as her body responded instinctively.
"Enticing, huh?" Deb manages to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is that what you call it when you’re trying to drive me wild?"
Ava pulls back slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Maybe. But can you blame me? You’re just so... irresistible." She leans in again, her breath warm against Deb's skin, each soft touch igniting a fire within her. Deb's heart races as she feels Ava's lips trail along her collarbone, sending electric sensations coursing through her. The world around them fades, leaving only the hypnotizing rhythm of their breaths and the warmth of their bodies.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Deb murmurs, her voice trembling with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She can feel the heat radiating from Ava, drawing her in like a moth to a flame.
Ava pauses, her lips hovering just above Deb's skin, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"Oh, I know. But isn't that the fun part?" She resumes her exploration, her kisses growing bolder, more insistent. Deb's body responds instinctively, thrusting towards Ava, craving more of her touch.
Deb could feel the strength of her building orgasm. She needed more.
"Ava...please, baby...I need..."
Ava's voice cut through the dream, sharp and furious. "Why do you always have to ruin everything?"
Startled, Deb bolted upright, expecting to see Ava's face. Instead, she was met with the cold reality of an empty bed and a wave of nausea that swept over her. She rushed to the bathroom, her head spinning.
She stumbled into the bathroom, her heart still racing. Leaning over the sink, she splashed cold water on her face, trying to shake off the lingering dream. The contrast between Ava’s earlier tenderness and her sudden fury was jarring.
As she looked into the mirror, Deb's reflection stared back at her, wide-eyed and confused. What had just happened?
But reality crashes back in, and she remembers the night before—
She remembers the last time they had fought, the tension that had built up between them. It was always the same cycle—passion, followed by conflict, and then a fragile truce. Deb felt a pang of guilt. Had she been so careless with her words and actions?
After a moment, she splashed more water on her face and straightened up. She needed to talk to Ava. They needed to clear the air.
Deb stepped out of the bathroom, her heart still racing, and made her way to the living room. Her side mansion was quiet, the sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow on the furniture. But the warmth felt distant, overshadowed by the tension that hung in the air.
“Ava?” she called out, her voice tentative. She listened for a response, but the silence was deafening.
She walked to the bedroom, half-expecting to find Ava there, but the bed was still empty. Deb's stomach twisted with anxiety. Where could she be?
Sunday...
Ava didn't come home all day.
She's not answering her calls or her texts.
Deborah can't stop thinking about her dream. Ava's words were crystal clear in her mind.
Monday...
First Day. First Meeting.
She pulls into the lot and finally sees her accomplishment in real time. Her name is on a late-night host parking spot. She pulls out her phone as she gets out of the car. She takes a picture; she tells herself it's for her, but she can't deny the tiny pang she feels when she realizes she can't send it to Ava.
Walking through the halls should be exhilarating, but suddenly, the weight of the situation has hit her full force.
"One of your writers is already in there"
She walks through the doorway and looks up to find Ava.
Relief washes over her.
"I'm so glad you're here"