A HEALTHY LOVE

CH.17: INTIMATE AGAIN

The following day, Alex snuck off to meet McCullough in their closet. McCullough had bought salads and juice for them to enjoy. They did not bring up the kiss they had shared. Instead, they spoke about pretty much anything else. It was strange how easily their conversations were flowing. They had become comfortable with each other to the point that the prison didn't seem to exist whenever they were together. They were merely two women, conversing and laughing. When they had finished eating, Alex slurped her juice with a smile. "Cards tomorrow?" Alex asked.

McCullough: "I'm off tomorrow. I tried picking up a shift, but I'm already in overtime."

Alex(frowning): "So,I won't see you tomorrow?"

McCullough: "I'm afraid not."

"Well,we can still talk. Give me your number" Alex said. McCullough slightly perked up at Alex's demand. She tried to keep from being completely nervous. "Really? You want to call me?" McCullough asked with vulnerability in her voice.

"Duh. Why else would I ask for your number? Here, put it in." Alex said, handed her cellphone to McCullough. McCullough entered her number and handed the phone back to her. Alex made sure all the information was properly saved. "There. Now, you are officially in my phone. I'll shoot you a text so you have my number."

McCullough: "Do you think that…"

Alex: "That what?"

McCullough: "I have a thing about my phone. All the contacts have to come with pictures. It's weird, I know. Just kind of an OCD quirk of mine. Could I…you know..."

Alex(lightly chuckling) "Get a picture of me? I don't know if it'd be smart to have a picture of an inmate in your phone."

McCullough: "I don't mind taking the risk."

"Fine. Take one, and I'll send it to you. Just be sure you get my good angle" Alex said, handing the phone to her. McCullough lightly chuckled as she held up phone,readying to take a picture. "Please..you don't have a bad side" McCullough said softly, taking the picture "You're the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen. No one comes close."

When Alex went to take her phone, her hand landed atop McCullough's fingers. Their eyes locked for several long moments. Very slowly, they drew closer for a kiss. Something about this kiss felt different. It started sweet and slow, and it gradually became more heated and passionate. In a flash, McCullough's shirt was on the floor, exposing her red lace bra. Alex's blue shirt was on floor,next exposing her nude breasts

As they moved into forbidden territory again, they both felt something had changed. This encounter was passionate and sweet. The two tore at each other's body with unrestrained passion. Their hands constantly on each other,constantly feeling or grabbing something. The encounter ended with both of the woman's eager release.

In the past, Alex was with McCullough for all the wrong reasons. It was a distraction, a way of protecting her fragile heart. Yet, this was happening for all the right reasons. They genuinely wanted to be together, and it felt almost magical. They hated to rush, and they hated for it to end. But they had to worry about getting caught.

McCullough slowly opened the closet door and took a quick scan. "The coast is clear" McCullough said quietly. Alex was just finishing put her inmate attire back on. "You go first, I'll slip out after" Alex replied.

McCullough: "I'll...I'll miss you tomorrow."

"I'll call. I promise" Alex said softly, lightly guiding her hand over McCullough's cheek.  The two lovers kissed one more time before McCullough left. Alex waited a few minutes and then exited the closet. She went back to her cell for count. Though she half expected herself to regret what had happened, but she didn't. If anything, the world felt like a better place. The winds were changing.