2020-01-23 - The Houseboat of Love

"Tonight's the night, everything's gonna be alright" Jessica sings under her breath as she checks the food once more. Who knew Rod Stewart could be inspirational? This is about the fiftieth time that Jessica has checked the food but everything has to be perfect. There is only a two person table in the houseboat but it looks as romantic as she can manage - candlelit of course. She's even managed to tidy up the main living are a bit.

The Honeybuns, first houseboat on the pier, is the kind of squat houseboat that is more house than boat - no going out to sea in this. One large living space incorporates the kitchen and dining area. A comfy couch in front of an entertainment unit. Bookcases. Laptop on the coffee table - how she works from home. One door opens to the head (the toilet). One door leads out to a rear deck which would be more fun in warmer weather. One door leads to the bedroom, all doors closed to keep in the warmth.

Jessica takes a deep breath as she checks the time. Any minute now. She is in a short sleeveless black dress (down to mid-thigh) that is rather tight. Though ruining the look at the moment is the apron over it with 'Kiss the Cook (Anywhere You Like)' written on it. There are even dog bowls on the kitchen area floor in preparation for Hans.

She doesn't have a car, but it's easy enough to either get an uber or a friend to drop her off. The gallery owner finds the boat with ease and she slowly steps off of the dock and onto the structure of Jessica's home. She takes a deep breath as she moves on forward, this time with renewed confidence thanks to Harper. Heaven knows Hera has only been talking about this date since it was arranged and, arranged is her appearance.

She took the time to pester Kim and whoever else about getting her properly prepared for the occasion. Her hair, not quite as curly as she would like, is still well done with not too much curl, but no flat iron was used either. Her lips are a bright red color with a bit of a pink hue mixed in. Around her shoulders she wears a coat but she does take it off to reveal the brilliant red dress that accentuates her beauty in a bold fashion. It has no sleeves and it leaves her arms bare yet the top part of it accentuates her curves with darts that seem to move into her tiny waist. Then the rest of the outfit clings to her hips and flat stomach, showing her slender, yet hourglass, figure. Some dresses she wears accentuates it, others do not, but this one does. (https://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/medibigoff/bedbaef176a134370eeba6cd8ffffd8f/plx-325559-020hnw.jpg )

Its boldness pales in comparison to the happiness on her smile. Even her eyes appear to be alight with merriment as she steps into the area. Yet her hands appear to be preoccupied. In one is a leash that she uses to lead Hans. The dog comes along obediently and looks around with a bit of a curious glance. Then, in her other hand, she holds a red gift package with a variety of tissue paper coming out of it (https://theredpaintedcottage.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/giftwrap22.jpg ) There is no tag, but it is pretty easy to tell who it's meant for.

Hera does wait where she is, no wanting to go inside too far without permission and Hans just sniffs sniffs and sniffs some more. He’s likely never been on a boat before. What has his alpha gotten him into?

Jessica hears the creaking on the foredeck as Hera arrives right on time. She dashes to the front door in a rather excited way before steadying herself a moment. A big smile as the 'front' door opened to reveal a vision of loveliness. "Welcome to..." Jessica's eyes go wide as she stares at Hera. "...Heaven." An embarrassed shake of her head. "Sorry, you look incredible. So beautiful..." And Jessica still has that apron on.

After their recent texts, and with Hera looking so incredible, Jessica has an almost overwhelming desire to kiss her date hard and passionate upon those wondrous ruby-red lips. Remembering her manners, it becomes a kiss of greeting to each cheek. "Please, come aboard." The smile on Jessica's face is one of excitement and awe as she stand aside to let the pair in. "Hello, Hans, I hope you like Mexican food too." Jessica takes Hera's coat and hangs it on the wall. It is about this time she realises she is still wearing the apron. Great first impression there. The apron is quickly removed and tossed aside. (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/11/93/83/119383a40a0ed6aed0f776397ca1053b.jpg)

Jessica's dark hair has a natural curl too which she has done nothing to hide. Make-up applied as best she could. Harper would have helped much like Hera's friends helped her. It seems there are a few people who would like to see this work out. Not least Jessica. "Have I mentioned how beautiful you are? Oh, would you like a drink?"

<<Don’t blush don’t blush don’t blush don’t blush>> she mentally tells herself but, welp, a bit too late. Her porcelain concealer hides some of it, but there’s an apparent flush to her cheeks. Her compliment does cause her lips to stretch out into a smile but she tries to take it all in stride. “Thank you.” A lady should accept such lovely words with gratitude, but when she hears the praise her heart begins to leap, as if it would easily jump into Jessica’s lap if the dark haired beauty was sitting down.

There is passion already, but it’s latent due to politeness. This /is/ her date’s houseboat after all and if Jessica feels uncomfortable about anything, there’s no need to push. Hans hears his name and looks over at the reporter with a bit of a ‘huh’ look. “Oh he loves it, very very.”

It’s then she notices that the garment is tossed aside and Hera takes in Jessica’s true form. She was going to comment on the apron but the writer in her stirs, letting the words flow from her lips, “I don’t think I need a drink to be intoxicated by your beauty. No telling where your feet have gone, but they have been leaping into my dreams over and over again. Your curves easily rival the vision of any range of mountains but, the I sense a unique, whispy warmth that the hills of a desert could set aflame. Wow, you are simply, magnificent.” Concealer or not, the blush pushes through the makeup to show her rosy cheeks, “More enticing than any jinn who could turn a mistress into a slave.”

She then brings her fingertips to her lips and says, “Oh dear, I have said too much.”

And what words. Jessica forgets to breathe as the goddess before her praises her in ways that she has never been praised before. There is no doubt to their sincerity and that has the reporter's heart skipping so many beats it may have stopped completely. And what lips to share those words. Full. Red. Alluring. Jessica suddenly steps over the distance between them and leans up to kiss Hera, finally, on lips that prove to be as sweet as her words. Passion finally finding an outlet in locked, hungry lips. Jessica's arms wrapping around Hera as she presses against the redhead. Hands caressing Hera's incredible body. Nails teasing bare flesh.

The kiss breaks, Jessica a little woozy on her feet as she catches her breath and then smiles happily...and a little wickedly. "You could never say too much" she purrs, lifting a hand to caress Hera's cheek. Her other lifting that finger that dared to stop the redhead's words and wrapping her lips around it to momentarily suckle before a kiss to the tip. Jessica is literally aglow with happiness, not to mention the blush on her own cheeks. "Let me get Hans' food served before things get too wonderful" she giggles, feeling as if she could just float right on over to the kitchen.

The kiss is welcomed eagerly, Jessica can sense that with her reaction. Immediately, her sweet mouth opens wide as the crimson woman longs to taste what she has been dreaming of for what seemed to be an eternity. Yes, there is a hunger there, one that stirs deeper than the need for any sustenance. As the seconds move way too quickly, her eager nostrils take in Jessica’s scent and Hera’s tongue quickly darts forward to taste more.

It ends, but perhaps simply an invitation for something else to begin. When Jessica’s nails tease her, goosebumps immediately form in anticipation. There is a longing starting to show in the redhead’s eyes and when her cheek is caressed, she leans forth to kiss the fingertips, as if to praise her acceptance. “I think I have totally forgotten about the food, I could dine on those kisses for days and never hunger for anything else.”

But Hans is hungry, and the only kiss he would know of involves doggie slurps. Why do these strange humans open their mouths like that? You’d never see two dogs do that. Yup, he’s confused but he hears the word food, and that he understands. Sure enough, the tail goes into ‘wag’ mode.

“How could things get more wonderful?” she asks, “I am finally here, with you, in your home and.” She looks to the present she brought and that can’t be forgotten, “Oh!” she exclaims, “This is yours!” Yes, she’s quite proud of something in the little bag.

"We don't have to eat tonight" Jessica breathes, nodding slightly in agreement. "Not food anyway." She may have spent all day cooking but priorities have changed after that incredible kiss; the feel of lucious lips and teasing tongue has rocked the reporter's world. But there is Hans to take care of as well. And the dog is still very interested in the food.

"Things will get more wonderful. I promise" Jessica purrs, about to head off to organise doggy-dinner when there is a present being offered. "Thank you" she smiles warmly, taking it and carefully opening it up. "I'm worried about destroying the artistry of the packaging" she laughs with another blush. "Is everything you do so artisitic and perfect?" Jessica is rather eager to see what it is though.

Hera decides to take a bit of a bold move. In that black dress, she admires her hips and waist perhaps more than she should on a first date but, she walks over, taking her fingertips and tracing the top of her right hip before slowly pulling her fingers back. “I know, we don’t really know each other but, I would bet many things that you always keep your promises, always. I’m far from perfect though, very far from it but, I do hope you will like it and, do not worry about the packaging, though.” Another bold statement as she says, “I can give you something else to unwrap later.”

She then giggles a bit to show off her happiness but the present is nudged closer to the reporter, “I actually, well, thought about what to get you, so, please, open it. I’d really like to learn more about you, so, humor me, eh?” When she opens the gift she finds a DVD collection of MST3K https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Science-Theater-Collection-Hobgoblins/dp/B000BI1YS8/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_rm?ac_md=3-2-bXN0M2sgdm9sdW1lIDg%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=MST3K+dvd&pd_rd_i=B000BI1YS8&pd_rd_r=d28e2940-0cf4-44d9-a15e-954e39965cb5&pd_rd_w=LvXxM&pd_rd_wg=Xb5Rs&pf_rd_p=d29bc9bc-49e2-46b8-bc05-387917c341ec&pf_rd_r=EATK2NHAP15XF3NF7TA1&qid=1569023565

Jessica is a fan of such boldness. That shiver at Hera's caress of her hip is definitely down to breathless arousal. She nods to the words. "I always keep my promises" she whispers sincerely. Her expression suggests she doesn't believe Hera's protestation that she is not perfect. An expression that changes to stunned awe at the unwrapping comment. "What I cooked is fine to be reheated in the morning" she replies before wincing at how that may be a bit too forward. Open the present!

"What would you like to know about me?" Jessica shrugs as she opens up the gift, though still careful with the lovely packaging. "I hope Harper didn't build me up too much." When she sees what is inside the wrapping she bursts out laughing - though it is definitely a gleeful laugh. "You have definitely talked to her, haven't you" she grins. "This is perfect. Thank you." What starts as a quick 'thank you' peck to Hera's lips, quickly develops into another deep, heated kiss. Tongues dancing and exploring as Jessica shivers with desire.

It breaks once more...unfortunately...and she holds up the DVD. "We are definitely watching this together. And since it's got four movies on it, guess we're going to spend a bit of time with each other." Jessica may be getting ahead of herself on their first date but can you blame a woman who is ridiculously happy right now?

Hera heaves a huge sigh of relief as the gift apparently goes over well. “There’s, very much I want to know about you, very much. I guess, an obvious question is, how in the hell did a woman as beautiful as you not wind up with anyone? I mean, that’s crazy.” But, a bit of a giggle is heard and she says, “I won’t lie. I know you hate lying and, honestly, that’s already something I admire about you. I’ve been around enough lies to never forget the harm that they do. Though, the business world is often full of them. You’ve got to be smart to pick them though you know.” Then she gets to the point and says, “Harper, did give me some advice. I hope that doesn’t change anything.”

She’s excited on many levels, both mentally and when Jessica moves in to kiss her, the physical attraction makes itself known again. The heated kiss becomes warmer and, sure enough, her tongue even prickles a bit as she begins to be spellbound by the woman’s taste.

Yes, it has to break to continue the conversation if nothing else, “I would love to, I really would. I do enjoy sci fi. I watched a few of the shows but there’s many in this series I haven’t seen though.” She moves to look at the woman eye to eye again and tells her, “It would be hard to take my eyes off of you for long. Yes, tell me, how did you become single? That just makes no sense to me.”

"I don't mind that Harper gave you advice. It's actually kind of nice that you asked her for it. That you were interested enough to want to do that." Jessica is rather touched by the effort. "My career is about sorting through lies. I understand completely, and I will make every effort to not lie to you. So, when I say, again, that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, then you know it is true."

The DVD is placed carefully on the coffee table before she heads on over to the kitchen. The sooner she feeds Hans, the sooner she can feel Hera in her arms again. "Come on, Hans. I hope you like steak."

"I could ask the same thing about you, Hera. How could someone as warm, intelligent, artistic, and beautiful as you, be alone? But in my case..." A shrug. "I work too much? For example, I missed that LBGT night out because I was working. I could have met you a day earlier. I haven't even been on a date for...hmm...let's just say 'a while'. I was almost resigned to being alone forever. So forgive me if I'm rusty but...I saw the beauty in your eyes that glows like warmest sunshine, and I had to take a chance. So how on Earth are you alone?"

Ohhhhhhhhh so Jessica knows how to treat a dog, literally. Does he like steak? Well, of course he does, he's not stupid. In fact he hears, "I hope you like" and he's rushing over like a bullet from a gun. Unless she stops him, he begins to devour the meat. Chomp chomp chomp yeah, someone is going to have a tummy ache for sure. Hera just giggles at it, and then it's on to more serious topics.

Hera blushes at all the praise and says, "I could never ever tire of such words, ever." But then the smile begins to fade a little as she recalls some of the reasons, "I had, let's just say a very very bad start in life. Someone, helped to get me out of it, it was a blessing and a curse. Broke my heart and well, since then, I was just about finishing my degree and working." She sighs happily now and says, "I started, writing a diary to reflect on my new life. This is a new life. Never before had I had friends who cared about me so much and this and...being here with you, it's so surreal but, a lovely dream. One I hope I don't wake from. Maybe, I need to not work so hard but, at the same time, I am so happy for what I have. I can finally create a haven for artists where they can feel...safe" With the way she says 'safe' her tone of voice changes, as if that's something quite importat to her.

Jessica has made one friend this evening at least, giving Hans a ruffling pat before turning her attention back to Hera. A soft smile at never tiring of praise. "Good, because I'm sure there will be more of it." She casually wanders back to the other woman as she listens with interest and sympathy. That anyone ever made Hera unhappy is a crime against humanity.

"Broken hearts are not fun. Not at all. But they heal. Especially if you find the right care." A teasing tilt of Jessica's head. "Am I in the diary? Don't worry, you don't have to tell me." Reaching Hera, she takes her hands in hers, softly caressing the warm flesh with her thumbs as she continues to listen. "So, you'd like me to keep you asleep?" she winks before nodding more solemnly. "Work can be a chore but it sounds like we both do work that's worthwhile. Helping people. Keeping them informed. Keeping them safe."

Jessica definitely noticed the importance of 'safe'. There is depth in that word that has her curious...perhaps even a little concerned. "Your safe with me" she states firmly but softly. "I promise that too." Fingers disentangle from Hera's to reach up and caress an errant hair back over Hera's ear. She stares deeply into the redhead's eyes, liking the warmth she sees. "Did you want to eat or..."

Hera closes her eyes as she clearly enjoys the sensations that the woman gives. It's a sensation of being serene and stirring a longing within the artist that she hopes to feel over and over again. "No, it was..something else that makes it really really hard to get over involving him. Not romantically but, let's just say I lost someone very important to me, very important, and it wasn't him." She shrugs and says, "I have, moved on, in many ways. The heartache that Theo gave was well, it was a new pain, it truly was but now." She looks back at Jessica, her eyes starting to glisten a bit as she watches her with a sense of wonder, "I don't think I've ever felt this much desire and, this much peace, all together, so soon, and just so...." her lips begin to form the word as then slowly speak it, "Beautiful. The problem now is." she sighs, "I'm going to hate leaving you, I'm going to hate that this night will end, and" she pauses as if to emphasize, "Trust me, I'm not interested in food, I'm interested in you." She inches closer and says, "I'm interested in what makes you feel happy and what makes you feel sad. I'm interested in what drives you to find new stories and reveal them to the world. I'm interested in what you seek in life and what you really want. What does your lovely heart desire?" she asks, "What do you want to get out of life and." she grins, a bit of a vixen stare forming across her features, "I am interested in how many times you can scream my name in a fit of passion as I would try to please you, unlike anyone else."

"I am sorry for your loss. If there is any way I can help you. Or if you ever need someone to listen. I will be here for you" Jessica replies sincerely before smiling about how Hera feels right now. It swells her heart with joy that she can make this goddess happy.

Jessica listens to all that Hera wants to know about her, her smile growing warmer and more affectionate, until a little laugh at the last request. "I am really looking forward to the screaming" she grins, blushing, caressing the soft, warm skin of Hera's cheek once more. "You are incredible" she whispers, clearly in a very happy place. "Right now, my heart desires you. What makes me happy is you. What I seek in life is...well...you get the idea. Damn, this is moving pretty quick but...it feels great. Let's sit at least before my legs give way."

Hera finally opens up a bit more and admits, "It was, my daughter." she says, "About, seven months along." She looks down at her stomach and even though it's quite flat, she remembers a different time. Seven months though, sounds a bit odd of a time to loose the baby but she says, "Doctors said it was stress induced when Theo left me for another woman. I.." she smiles as she admits more, "I was telling my diary that if I had the friends now at that time, I think I would have, pulled through. Things are so wonderful now." She reaches for her hand and says, "It...does well, I, am wondering if I could stay here tonight." Another bold move.

"Your daughter?" Jessica goes a little pale at that admission before giving Hera a hug that is all about consolation rather than rust. "I am so sorry. I don't know what I can say that wouldn't sound trite but I am here for you." Theo sounds like someone she needs to kick in the nuts...if she could find any on him. Leaning back from the hug as Hera takes her hand and asks that question, Jessica can only smile happily. "I was hoping that would be the case." That would be a 'yes' then...though somehow she manages to avoid showing the leaping up and down with excitement that is happening inside her. "You can stay as long as you wish." And then another kiss. The desire is there. The passion. But also an honest and genuine affection.

Hera feels like she revealed more of who and what she is, more inner demons being gone in the sweet sweet moment. "I am, definitely glad I..." her cheeks continuing to flush warmer and warmer at the kiss. "Well, that is, part of me." she says with a bit of a giggle as she begins to pull away, "But, I know all about me. I want to hear." Her fingers trail along Jessica's cheek as she stares at her eye to eye, "More about you. I feel like the siren is calling me to a sea of euphoria, one that crashes against my wave of doubts, making my fears seem but minute specks of sand in my life. You could be the shore I cling to, and the most intoxicating thing ever I..." she admits, "Never met a woman as beautiful and lovely as you, and your, tenacity. It takes so much to survive the evils in this world, I know that for a fact."

"You have quite the way with words" Jessica sighs as she leads Hera to the couch to sit. She will adopt a position with legs tucked up under her and looking at her date. Elbow resting on the back of the couch so she can used that hand to caress Hera's hair. "I worry how much Harper has already told you" she smirks. "I was born and raised here. Mixed ancestry as you can see. Pretty mixed actually. Was a total nerd at school. Used to hang out in the library with Harper all the time which is why we became such good friends. Decided I was going to be a cop or a journalist, chose the latter. The former is a little corrupt." Jessica is not happy to have to say that. "But getting better. Spent my adulthood annoying people while searching for the truth. Hoping that, one day, I would meet someone who takes me in new directions of wonder and bliss. Guess it's that day."

Hera follows her to sit but when Jessica settles herself, she begins to shift so her head moves onto Jessica's lap. It's then that she takes an arm and also wraps it around her, clearly wanting to cuddle in a unique way. "Harper told me about your parents I, didn't really know mine. They were killed when I was about eight. I discovered Devlin so I guess that means I am, part Scottish? That might explain the red hair. I didn't have high school years, but Theo helped me get my GED and into college. Cops are, very very corrupt. We, had to take care of some of those at times but, all of that is over. It's just me, my art, my friends, my pets and now." she grins at Jessica and says, "You, if it's really, that day, and please be honest, if it really is, do you mind if I ask you something? I really really like you and, it's not, that serious but, well, mind a question?"

Jessica is more than happy to adjust to allow Hera's head on her lap. Fingers stroking through the red hair...is that a little burn? The other arm wrapped around Hera, fingers gently caressing her body with small motions. "Your parents were killed? Do you mean an accident or... Devlin?" A little smile about being Scottish. "Hey, they like Scots around here. Much better than a Mexican slash Iranian. Is this Theo still around then? In town? You 'took care' of some cops? I'm glad you've moved on. Even gladder than you moved to Gray Harbor. Absolutely blissful that you're lying on my lap looking gorgeous. You can ask me anything you want."

Hera says, "They were murdered. That's how I got into the trafficking rings and, life was hell from there. Devlin didn't know anything about it, he didn't find out about me until much much later in my life." She shakes her head and says, "Theo is with the woman he wants I, well." she sighs and says, "I'm not a whore, that's not me but...you can imagine some of the people involved in the rings. It's really sick...I..." she pauses from the question, wondering what Jessica's reaction now will be.

Jessica absorbs Hera's dramatic history in silence. Though the caresses never stop. The stroking never ceases. Jessica is not the kind to run away from trouble. Espcially not with something so worthwhile at the other side. "What were they trafficking? Drugs? People?" She can't keep the journalist down. "What you were involved in may have been horrible but you are definitely not that person. I can see that. Feel that. You've got away and that means you are infinitely strong. It's time you have the life you deserve, Hera." An affectionate smile down at the angelic face on her lap. "Don't worry, I don't frighten off easily."

Hera takes in a deep breath and says, "Yes, it was, trafficking, people, young girls and such. I became a sex worker, I guess that's one way you could say it. Thing is, I didn't get paid for it. The trafficking rings in Texas are very much alive and well, but I was one of the lucky one. I was able to leave that life behind." She lets more of that out. The past is the past, but you never know when it can come and resurface. "I really have moved beyond many many things, yes, scars are still there, but, they empower me." With a smile she says, "It's not every woman that can go from being a slave to a goddess, yes?" But the rhetorical question is not what should be asked, "I'll just come out with it. I'd like to call you my girlfriend, and, we can go from there. I couldn't call you my girlfriend without your permission though. If it's too early, I completely understand but, ever since I saw you, I can't stop thinking about you."

Jessica would say she was sorry to hear about all of this but it would sound so feeble compared to what Hera has been through. And in no way would come close to the pain she is feeling for the other woman. "Did you leave...or did you escape? Are they after you?" It would be good to know before the Gazette splashed Hera's face all over the website. A smile at the 'slave to goddess' remark. It is definitely appropriate. "You are the Queen of Goddesses" Jessica confirms before a rather surprising question. "It's never too early if things feel right. And it certainly feels right to me. I'd be honored to be called your girlfriend." A little chuckle, "I hope you feel the same way after we have sex."

Hera shakes her head and says, "I seriously doubt they are looking for me, I really really doubt it. The trafficking rings are illegal and Theo, as much as he was an ass, he got me away from all that." When she accepts Hera smiles widely and begins to move a bit out of the cuddle position. There, that hunger return and purrrrring she moves to wrap her arms around her lady. "I don't know about you but, I feel there's a clear night to consumate this over and over again. It's then that she moves to kiss her passionately, the night opening to new pleasure never to be foresaken again.