Just Chance : Women loving Women

By Susie Ray

Women loving women: Six stories of romance, with the heat turned up at in the last two sizzling stories at the end of the book in the 'Naughty' section!

 

Just Chance: Originally inspired by her noisy, twin, younger siblings, when she was trying to study at home for her degree, Mary's driving force had become to have a place all of her own, and finding a sitting tenant still in residence in her new flat, was the last thing she expected, or wanted.

Would Beverley's presence become a problem or a blessing, as the two women measure each other up and take stock?

 

Every Day: Megan's obsession with Cassandra Coupar, is doomed to failure, but it does lead to meeting Mattie, Cassandra's PA, and something clicks between them. Little did she know, it was to change her life forever.

 

Swap: A gender-bender romance that finds Angie living her dream life, but will Mel understand and accept the situation?

 

Writers Club: Lisa and Jena are paired to write a story together, but find themselves living the story, rather than writing it. Will it have a happy ever after?

 

The Naughty Section: Two hot and steamy short tales.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S-Ray Press
• Release date: Apr 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201004613

Susie Ray

Susie Ray Author bio I love to read and lose myself in stories conjured up by the written word – I am a mature individual, but I can still recall love’s first sweet kiss and the sting of rejection; the elation of being brought alive, by another’s caress, or tender words. I write sapphic stories for my own pleasure as well as hopefully that of the reader, and my head is full of ideas and storylines that are desperate to be shared. Admittedly, it was a freebie, but the first sapphic tale I read, left me feeling wanting and empty. I thought ‘I could do better than that’, and I did! My stories draw on a lifetime of experiences and places I have visited, so there is always a piece of ‘me’ in them. My preference is for short stories; tales, in bite-size portions, although some topics, simply require a novella to do them justice. I feel my writing skill has improved and grown with me over time and I am pleased to offer some of my work for your pleasure. Come lose yourself for a while, like I do when I’m writing…

Book preview

Just Chance

Chapter one

Mary

Finally, Mary will have a place all her own – admittedly it will merely be leased, but she has paid a year’s rent in advance – all that her finances will allow for now. She still felt pangs of guilt when she signed the lease agreement.

It’s not as though life at home was intolerable – she loves her Mum Joan dearly, even her much younger twin-siblings. But trying to study at home whilst attending her home-town university of Edinburgh was the last straw. Why is it that twins can fight so much? Is it the fact that they span both sexes and one is forever trying to outdo the other to prove superiority? Whatever, they made quiet study impossible at home and drove Mary to find her own place as soon as she could afford it.

Their poor mother was almost demented, attempting to appease each of her three off-spring. Even becoming closer after losing their father’s input when he was so tragically killed in an accident at work, didn’t calm the twins, but the insurance pay-out made life a lot more comfortable for all of them. It’s a pity that comfort is a poor substitute for a father’s love and comfort can’t tuck you in at night with a kiss on the forehead that means the world.

Mary remains upbeat – without the twin’s noise she may never have ‘met’ Carole, or discovered her own sexuality so amazingly. Carole was a class-mate at Uni and suggested they might study together at her student accommodation – Carole was not a Scot and had her own digs. Academically, they both benefited from their joint studies, with Mary all, but moving in with Carole – she stayed over many times when their studies overran. Maybe it was inevitable that they would be attracted to each other – Mary wasn’t sure how, but somehow, they ended up in bed together.

Carole was a ‘giver’ rather than a taker and showed Mary the delights of oral and finger sex on a regular basis. She did warn Mary that it was just sex, but Mary was on a distant planet in a galaxy far, far away at the time – Carole’s fingers and tongue were the indescribable rocket-fuel that propelled her to fantastic heights. Mary still recalls fondly, those regular sessions that were a reward for studying so well together. Carole often reminded Mary not to read too much in to their relationship, for she would be returning home when her degree had been attained.

Mary made all the right noises and hid that her heart was already Carole’s prisoner, a very willing one at that. They both achieved Bachelor’s Honours Degrees and then Mary’s life fell apart when Carole kissed her goodbye and left her life forever. Mary hid her heartbreak and put every effort into finding a career that might fulfil her and block the pain of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She wouldn’t allow anyone to get that close ever again – the pain would be too much to bear, as well as resurrecting the devastation of losing Carole that she hadn’t truly dealt with yet.

Mary fairly stumbled into a job that was a boon to her, bringing out innate skills of dealing with people – well strangers really. She could manage easily as long as they remained strangers and her devotion, was its own reward.

Mary was quickly promoted to a senior position in junior management with a lucrative package that came with a new car and a work-life balance that suited her need to keep busy. Her preferred trouser suits became almost like a uniform of high office and carried an additional bonus of making her feel that no-one else would bother her, although she was mistaken in that premise. Still, it helped her confidence enormously to dress as asexually as possible and take one more distraction out of the equation.

So, it was that Mary was able to fulfil her first ambition – a place of her own. Yes, the twins were better behaved now they were older, but her own home was a target burned into her drive to succeed. The idea of owning her own place was a long-term aim to keep her striving to achieve more. Her interim goal was merely days away now and ‘handling’ the letting agent had secured the key a day early so that she could clean the place throughout in anticipation of moving into a spic and span place on the due date.

Beverly

What the heck am I going to do?

With the flat empty now, except for herself and her belongings, Beverley had taken to talking to herself to try and put things in perspective. She was packing said belongings, but still had no inkling of where she would move to – there was no natural attraction to home. There was nothing worth going back to and an under-grad’s life at Edinburgh University had become the norm for the last four years.

The lease had expired and her flatmates long-gone, back to the rest of their lives – and in two days the new owner would be moving in. Beverley was normally a sensible girl, but had allowed herself to be side-tracked by the minutia of packing systematically with some order in mind. The only problem is, halfway through packing she would think of a better system and start all over again – at this rate she would end up cramming everything into boxes haphazardly to reach the deadline. The lack of a significant plan for the future did nothing, but hinder what small progress she was making.

I know I should have sorted this out ages ago – I like Edinburgh’s outlying suburbs but how can I afford to live here without a job to go to?

It wasn’t just the place that appealed, Beverley had come to like the ‘down-to-earth’ attitude of the locals, even the rough and ready ones, seemed to have a heart of pure gold. Beverley berated herself often, but it was always counter-productive and she was still nowhere near on schedule for moving out. Thankfully she was not always scatter-brained – when she had a purpose to apply herself to, like studying for example, she was efficiency personified – just not in her personal life.

"That’s a laugh – what personal life? My life is a mess – I only seem capable of

concentrating on one thing at a time!"

She didn’t expect to miss the noise and company of her erstwhile flatmates, but somehow, she did – probably because they were ever-present during the final two years of her own studies. Not that they didn’t all get along Carla and Nikki were already old friends when they moved in and whilst Bev didn’t feel left out, her initial awkwardness probably made her seem stand-offish to them. They had to accept some responsibility for that – they were forever wandering about the flat in next to nothing, even though they could see Bev was openly embarrassed by it.

It didn’t help that her flatmates found studying a breeze allowing ample time for partying and the like, while Bev had to work hard to curb her wayward attention and apply herself diligently to the task at hand. She didn’t resent them, but it probably coloured the atmosphere between the three of them, so why did she miss them now? Bev fancied that her sub-conscious knew full well why, but there are too many painful memories that she had locked away there and she was not ready to face them yet.

In truth she had spent most of her adolescent life in turmoil, being shifted from one place to another and had chosen to study as far away as possible from her past, both geographically and emotionally.

Now, where was I? I have to have all my stuff packed away and to find new digs before the close of play tomorrow!

The flat had become her world during the last four years – it was going to be hell trying to get past that notion of security and finalise her departure. By merely snatching a couple of hours of sleep to offset the overwhelming desire to nod off, she had somehow managed to get everything packed to her liking and ready to go, but where to? Visiting a letting agency must be the first thing on a to-do list – she had managed to realise that perhaps with most student accommodation becoming free at the end of the final semester of the year, that she might be able to negotiate a short-term lease, until she had sorted herself out – yes, that’s a plan!

Beverley would have given anything, now that she had her action-plan sorted, to fall into bed and sleep forever, but she knew too well that it was a crazy idea – besides she has already laundered the bed linen and was simply waiting for the tumble-dryer to complete its cycle, so that she could fold them neatly as she had done with the other two beds, days earlier.

Chapter two

Er, Hello?

Beverley almost leapt out of her skin at the sudden voice behind her and spun round to see its source – she was not expecting anyone until tomorrow, by which time she hoped to have gone already.

Hello, are you from the agency, making sure the place is tidy before the new tenant arrives?

Hardly, I am the new tenant, but you guessed the purpose of my visit correctly. I am Mary, and you are?

Beverly, the outgoing tenant, well almost outgoing. I wasn’t expecting you to take occupancy until tomorrow. I expect to be gone later today, as for the flat, hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised – I have put my tardiness to good use and spring cleaned it already. I was just finishing the laundry, so that everything would be just so, ready for you in the morning.

Mary was equally surprised, first glances confirmed that what she saw was indeed, spotless. Should she thank Beverley or ask why she hasn’t vacated the place yet? But Beverley’s tongue was running away again, exhibiting her nervousness.

We have a unique opportunity – perhaps I could show you round warts and all and point out some of the best bits as well as forewarn you about some of the problems we have experienced?

We? Are there more of you still here?

Gosh no, I was referring to my flatmates who left a week or so ago. Look, Mary, could I make you tea or coffee or something – the crockery is all clean and neatly stacked away, but I guess it will be alright to use them now, seeing as you are the new tenant. My way of making an apology for still being here – it would certainly make me feel better for intruding.

Okay, tea would be great, I guess!

The kitchen area was also spotless and reminded Mary of the on-line video-tour she had seen – she had presumed it had been filmed when the flat was brand-spanking-new, or at least after a considerable make-over. The units looked immaculate as did the appliances.

You appear to have done a wonderful job in the kitchen at least!

She noticed how Beverley was methodical as the tea-tray came together.

I shall miss this kitchen – it was the first I could call my own and my flatmates were happy to give me free-reign and do all our cooking. I dread to think what state it would be in now if I let them loose in it.

They sound like a nightmare.

Not really, maybe I have a tendency to be over-dramatic at times – let’s just say they didn’t respect other people’s property as I do. Funny, I still miss them.

The tea was good, Mary noted, but she didn’t want to detain Beverley any longer than necessary – she couldn’t wait to have the place to herself and plan what she would put where after tomorrow. Bev appeared to take the hint and announced after a quick tour,

Anyway, it was good to meet you Mary – I hope you will be happy here. Meanwhile, I have new digs to sort out. Is it okay if I leave my possessions in my room, for now? Leave the tea things and I will take care of them later when I collect everything and finally move out.

Bev collected her coat and handbag and was gone, with Mary calling after her,

You too! I hope you are successful today.

An air of tranquillity settled like dust after much activity and allowed Mary time to ponder,

‘She seemed quite nice – sounds as if the other flat-mates took advantage of her. Still, it must be good to have someone keep house and do all the cooking.’

Is that where the notion sprang from? It wasn’t even a notion, just a few wayward thoughts collecting somewhere at the back of her mind.

The largest of the two bedrooms was light and airy with a dual-aspect and it was clean, but closer scrutiny revealed that it was in need of a fresh lick of paint.

‘Yes, this will be my room – maybe I can sleep in the smaller room whilst redecorating?’

Mary was pleased to see that the smaller of the bedrooms was also immaculate, just like the kitchen, even with the array of bags, boxes and suitcases neatly stacked therein. Having met Beverley, she was hardly surprised – it wasn’t exactly miniature in its dimensions either. Of course, the twin beds would have to be replaced by a generous double, or king-size in the main bedroom – Mary liked to not feel confined in bed and had planned all along to start with a new bed, or mattress at the very least.

In an unguarded moment, the image of her and Carole struggling to gain best position in a tiny bed, flashed across her mind and was gone, just as quickly, as she rebuilt her defences against such thoughts. They came less and less now – Mary hoped that one day soon they might be gone forever as the scars of a broken heart, slowly healed.

At least the sofa was comfortable and probably responsible for her lapse in letting her guard down and allowing the memories back in.

The tea-things stood out like a sore-thumb when she returned to the kitchen area, against a backdrop of clean lines, and even though Beverley had offered to clean-up, Mary couldn’t bear to see the incongruity – it was after all to be her own kitchen now. She didn’t notice the passage of time or how the light had darkened considerably outside – she had been so busy thinking and planning, or had she experienced some sort of time-warp, like when she sits at her laptop for ten minutes only to discover that hours have passed.

It didn’t come as a total surprise when she heard a key in the latch and Beverley reappeared, soaking wet with a face to match.

Still here? It’s horrid out at the moment – I wouldn’t rush if I were you. I know it is an imposition, but would you mind awfully if I had a shower and clean myself up. I’m freezing.

Carry on – I don’t officially take over until tomorrow, anyway. Any luck?

The look on Beverley’s face when she came in had suggested bad news, or at least, no good