... Well, I didn't, but not because I didn't like them. It was just that having one, and I mean that the way it sounds, having one was just too much of a difficulty. I had three fem lovers before him, but they were there to raise the children and take care of the house while I stuffed my head full of medicine. "Susan," I said, carefully, "I'm flattered. But what kind of crush do you have? I mean, is it because you want me, permanently, or do you want to experiment? You have to give me more so I'll understand." "I don't know, Nyss," she said. She sounded tired, frustrated, like this problem had been eating at her for a long time. "All I know is that when I think about you, I get... flushed. I keep seeing your face in my mind, kissing me. Isn't that silly?" "Not really. It sounds like a crush." "But it's ridiculous for me to have a crush on you. You're a fem, you're a Tindal; we have nothing in common." "I think being female means we both have a lot in common. I think you're also aware that I do have girlfriends, who I do often sleep with. Susan, if you want to explore your entalie' feelings with me, I'm willing. I just want to be clear on why." She turned away again, looking into the fire. "I don't know, Nyss. I really don't." I tried reason, and it didn't help. I wondered what Ken would do in this situation. He would probably try to seduce her. So why didn't I? There was no reason to, except her own inertia. I reached out with one ten and formed my mitt to her chin, pulling her face to look at me. Her eyes were frightened, but she didn't resist as I leaned forward to kiss her. Her lips were tight across her mouth, but as I stroked them once with mine they relaxed, a little, and then a little more. I reached up and touched her face, feeling her throat, her jaw. Finally she parted her lips; I tried to increase the intensity of the kiss but she started, backing away, looking at me. The fear in her eyes was even stronger than before, and she turned, looking into the fire. She spoke to the flames. "You... you must think I'm silly." "No," I said, gently, touching her shoulder. |