OUR FIRST NEW YEAR

CHAPTER ONE

The new year was fast approaching and, in all honesty, Tessa was looking forward to 2019. She wanted to put all the horrible things she had done in the past. She and Mariah were back together again, trying to rebuild what was lost. She loved Mariah and she knew how lucky she was to have this beautiful woman by her side. Things had been going well for them since Christmas Eve. Their relationship seemed different, but in a good way. It seemed deeper, more passionate. There seemed to be a new fire that surged between them. They couldn't stay away from each other, not that Tessa was complaining. She loved waking up to Mariah's naked body in her arms. That was always the best part. She never imagined that this red-haired beauty would love someone like her.

It was days like this that Tessa loved the most, when she would wake up before Mariah and just watch her; the slow rise and fall of her breathing, the way her hair fell across the pillow, and the way Mariah's body responded when she ran her fingers up and down her side; goosebumps forming on her skin. It was days like this that made Tessa smile, her heart overflowing with love for Mariah.

"I can hear you thinking," replied Mariah as Tessa stopped running her fingers over Mariah's skin. Tessa smiled. She leaned down and placed soft kisses down Mariah's naked back. Mariah moaned smiling, turning to face Tessa. "Good morning to you too. I could definitely get used to this," said Mariah leaning in to kiss Tessa. "You're up early," said Mariah reaching for Tessa's hand.

"I love watching you sleep. I still can't believe you're mine. I don't know why you still want me after all I've put you through. I can never apologize enough for what I did. It was a horrible mistake and one that I will regret for the rest of my life," said Tessa tears falling from her eyes.

"Hey, look at me. I have forgiven you. What you did doesn't mean that's who you are. I know that you are a good person and that you are truly sorry for what you have done. All of that is in the past. We have a chance to make our relationship stronger and better. Let's focus on that this New Year and put the past where it belongs. Ok? No more talk of being sorry," said Mariah placing her hands on Tessa's cheeks wiping her tears away. Tessa leaned down to kiss Mariah letting go of all the sorrow and fear. Tessa wrapped her arms around Mariah deepening the kiss, enjoying the feel of skin against skin.

Tessa broke the kiss. "I wish I could stay in bed with you forever, but I have to keep looking for a job. I cannot have you supporting me forever," said Tessa.

"Yeah I have to get to work soon, but it's so nice and warm laying beside you. I don't want to get up," said Mariah snuggling closer to Tessa.

"I know but we have to get up. I'm going to take a shower. Care to join me?" asked Tessa. Mariah smiled quickly, getting up from the bed and racing Tessa to the bathroom, both women laughing as they closed the door to the bathroom.