Cocktail Dreams

Chapter 12: Cuddles

The remnants of dinner sat on the table, and empty plates and half-full glasses of wine were the only evidence of the meal Taraji and Fantasia had just shared. The room was dimly lit, the warm glow of the chandelier casting a golden hue over it. The rich aroma of butter, steak, and sweet potatoes still lingered in the air. They were both relaxed, comfortably slouched in their respective chairs at the long dining table, a small but content smile on each of their faces.

"That mac and cheese, though," Fantasia said, her voice tinged with appreciation. She leaned back, swirling the wine in her glass. "I'm telling you, you outdid yourself, Taraji."

Taraji laughed softly, resting her chin on her hand. "You act like you didn't help cook it."

Fantasia shrugged, her smile growing wider. "Yeah, but you directed. This was your kitchen, your show. I'm just happy to be a part of it."

Taraji tilted her head, giving Fantasia a knowing look. "You're really laying it on thick tonight, huh?"

Fantasia chuckled, taking another sip of wine before placing the glass down. "I mean it. Everything was perfect. But," she paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, "you're sitting way too far away."

Taraji raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"

"You are," Fantasia said matter-of-factly, pushing her chair back and gesturing toward Taraji. "Come here."

Taraji stood, fixing her tank top as she walked toward Fantasia. She reached for the chair adjacent to her, but Fantasia stopped her with a playful shake of her head.

"No, I don't want you sitting over there," Fantasia said, her tone teasing but firm. She patted her lap. "I want you to sit here."

Taraji hesitated for a moment, her cheeks warming under Fantasia's bold gaze. "On your lap?"

"Yes," Fantasia said, flashing her a confident grin. "Come on, I won't bite... unless you ask me to."

Taraji laughed, rolling her eyes, but she relented and moved to straddle Fantasia's lap. She rested her hands on Fantasia's shoulders for balance, her knees bracketing her on either side. The intimate position brought them closer than they'd been all evening, their faces mere inches apart.

Fantasia's arms wrapped securely around Taraji's waist as she leaned forward, resting her head against Taraji's chest. Her breath was warm against Taraji's skin, her hold both grounding and comforting. No words were exchanged for a moment, only their intimate connection filling the space.

Taraji's hands moved instinctively, her fingers finding Fantasia's hair. She began lightly scratching and massaging the back of Fantasia's head, her nails gently grazing the scalp. Fantasia moaned softly in response, her arms tightening just a little as if to silently tell Taraji not to go anywhere.

The scent of Taraji's perfume—soft, sweet , and distinctly hers—wrapped around Fantasia like a blanket. She breathed it in deeply, the combination of that and the soothing touch of Taraji's nails on her scalp sending a wave of calm through her.

After a few moments, Taraji pulled back slightly, cupping Fantasia's face in her hands. Their eyes met an unspoken understanding passing between them. Slowly, Taraji leaned in, her lips brushing against Fantasia's in a lingering kiss. It wasn't rushed or frenzied but slow and deliberate like they had all the time in the world.

When Taraji finally pulled back, she smiled down at Fantasia. "Do you want to eat your dessert here at the table," she asked, her voice soft but teasing, "or on the couch?"

Fantasia's lips curved into a smile, but she didn't immediately respond. Instead, she leaned forward, pressing kisses along the exposed skin of Taraji's chest. The gentle yet deliberate touch of her lips caused a shiver to run through Taraji, who bit her bottom lip to stifle the gasp threatening to escape.