Page 89 of Solanum

Chapter Twelve

Nora cried softly as she stood with Anita and me in the bathroom beside the running shower. She listened to Anita's gentle coaching. Anita reached her hand out under the stream of water.

"Is it cold?" Nora asked, sniffling while she huddled against me.

"Nope. It's nice and warm." Anita smiled, wiggling her fingers. "Hold Caroline's hand and we'll touch together."

"I don't want to have a phobia," Nora said, sniffling when she laced her fingers with mine. "I don't."

"I know. That's why we're here, right? Desensitizing that phobia like we do for our patients." Anita's sweet, encouraging doctor voice did not match the outfit she wore this morning. Nora's sweatpants, and my T-shirt made her appear like a regular person for once.

"What if it gets in my ears?" Nora touched the side of her face again.

"Do your ears still hurt?" Anita asked her, to which Nora shook her head. "Good. We can use ear plugs if you like."

"No." She sniffled, tightening her grip around my middle.

"I have an idea," I said, wriggling away from her and hopping into the shower fully dressed, save for shoes. "Ah. This is lovely." I held my arms out wide, and Nora laughed immediately followed by a squeal.

"Car!" She covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes twinkling with amusement though now she leaned against Anita.

"So silly just for you." Anita chuckled, rubbing Nora's back.

Nora's grin and twinkling eyes kept me laughing when my curls unfurled as always and ran in lengths down my face and back.

"Well, that's unfortunate." I sputtered and pushed my hair out of my face. "Now I'll need a bucket of product again."

"You're ridiculous," Nora said, her laugh turning into a giggle.

"Hey, Neets," I called, and began peeling myself out of the forty-pound sweatshirt. "Did you know I have my nipples pierced?" It hit the floor with a loud flop, leaving me there topless. "Nora loves it."

"For heaven's sake, Caroline." Anita laughed and looked away from me to Nora. "Is it true?"

"Yes." Nora's grin broadened, her eyes trained on me. "Her clit, too."

Anita's brow furrowed and she glanced between us. "Are you teasing or is it true?"

"For real," I answered, tugging at the waistband of my pants while eyeing Nora. "Should we show her?"

"Yes." Nora's bottom lip made it between her teeth, and she bounced once on her toes. The grip she held on Anita's hand whitened her knuckles despite the distraction.

I let my pants fall, and kicked them aside as well, laughing at the weight of them. My gaze never left Nora's while I stood there, naked in front of both of them and tipping my head back under the shower.

Nora watched me, her smile endless as her gaze flickered up and down my body. Anita moved to hug her from behind and spoke softly against her cheek.

"She loves putting on a show for you, doesn't she?"

"Yes." Nora nodded, holding on to Anita's arms as they moved closer toward the shower.

"Imagine when you join her? Her arms wrapped around you, keeping you safe against her just like you love," Anita continued. "No hurting ears or burning nose. No panic taking over your heartbeat. Just Caroline hugging you all up. Think it's worth the risk?"

Nora glanced at her, her playful expression growing more serious for the moment.

"Go get her, love." Anita smiled, urging her but keeping a grip on her hand. "I'm right here."

Nora took a few steps away from Anita, as she moved closer to me. I held my arms out to her, while wagging my brows.

"I got something special for you when you get here, Kitten," I crooned, smirking at the allowances with her nickname in front of Anita.

---