In Her Shadow

Crossing the Threshold

Bridget held the basket in one hand, her other resting lightly on the small of Navy's back as they walked to the car. The touch was subtle yet intimate, sending shivers down Navy's spine. She glanced up at Bridget, the older woman's profile calm and unreadable, though her eyes flicked toward Navy now and then with an intensity that made her heart race.

The drive back to Bridget's penthouse was quiet, though not uncomfortable. Navy's mind churned with the events of the day—how effortlessly Bridget had made her feel safe, valued, and seen. But beneath the surface, there was something else—a spark of desire she couldn't ignore.

When they reached the penthouse, Bridget opened the door for Navy and ushered her inside. The apartment was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, its modern, sleek lines softened by the golden light. Navy slipped off her shoes, her movements hesitant as she glanced at Bridget, who was setting the basket on the kitchen counter.

"Do you want something to drink?" Bridget asked, her voice casual, though her eyes lingered on Navy a moment too long.

"Water's fine," Navy replied, her throat suddenly dry.

Bridget poured two glasses, handing one to Navy before leaning against the counter. Her posture was relaxed, but the tension in her gaze betrayed her. They stood there for a moment, the silence thick with anticipation.

Finally, Navy broke the quiet. "Today was... nice. Different. I didn't expect it." Bridget nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I didn't either. But I'm glad we did it." Navy stepped closer, her fingers tightening around the glass in her hand. "You know, you surprise me. Every time I think I have you figured out, you show me another side of yourself."

Bridget chuckled softly, setting her glass down. "I could say the same about you." Her gaze softened, and she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Navy's face. "You make me want to show those sides of myself. Even the ones I've buried for years."Navy's breath hitched at the tenderness in Bridget's touch. Her resolve wavered, the walls she'd kept up for so long  threatening to crumble. "Bridget..." But before she could finish her thought, Bridget closed the distance between them, her lips capturing Navy's in a kiss that was both soft and searing. Navy gasped, the glass slipping from her hand onto the counter as she clung to Bridget, her fingers tangling in the older woman's hair. Bridget deepened the kiss, her hands finding Navy's waist and pulling her closer. Navy melted into her, her body responding instinctively as the kiss grew more urgent. Bridget's lips moved against hers with a fervor that left her dizzy, her touch both demanding and gentle.

They broke apart, both breathless, their foreheads pressed together. "I've been holding back," Bridget admitted, her voice low and rough. "But I can't anymore."

Navy's pulse quickened, her hands sliding down to rest on Bridget's chest. "Then don't," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of nerves and desire. Bridget didn't need further encouragement. She lifted Navy effortlessly, setting her on the kitchen counter. Navy's legs wrapped around Bridget's waist as their lips met again, their kisses growing hungrier, more desperate. Bridget's hands explored Navy's body, her touch leaving trails of fire in its wake.

For a moment, time seemed to stop. The world outside faded, leaving only the two of them, caught in a whirlwind of passion and raw emotion.

But just as things began to escalate, Bridget froze, her breath ragged as she pulled back. Navy blinked, confusion clouding her features. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice barely audible. Bridget's jaw tightened, her hands resting on Navy's thighs as she took a step back. "I don't want to rush this," she said, her voice strained. "You mean too much to me, Navy. I don't want to mess this up."

Navy stared at her, her heart pounding. She could see the internal battle waging within Bridget, the fear and vulnerability that she rarely allowed to surface. "You're not going to mess this up," Navy said softly, sliding off the counter and stepping closer to Bridget. "I trust you, Bridget. More than I've trusted anyone in a long time."

Bridget's eyes met hers, the conflict in them slowly giving way to something softer, something hopeful. She reached out, cupping Navy's face in her hands. "You make me feel things I didn't think I could feel anymore," she admitted. "And that terrifies me." Navy placed her hands over Bridget's, her touch steady and reassuring. "Then let's be terrified together."