She wanted him again, now, to fill the emptiness she'd had in her for years without knowing how to fill it.
Their kisses became more desperate, more urgent. Ken pawed her breasts, kneading them slowly in his palms while his tongue explored her mouth with as much attentiveness as he'd shown her body last night. Beth had thought they would have to get to know each other again, but sliding into bed together had been the most natural thing in the world.
Almost more natural than loving him.
If Ken loved Beth, maybe he wouldn't take the news of Joanna so harshly. The truth might not be such a big deal as she was worried about yesterday. If he loved her after all this time, then he would accept her, too, wouldn't he?
She felt a sudden stab of guilt that she hadn't told him about Joanna yet. A frown settled on her face, and she pulled out of their kiss, and the look in his eyes made her regret thinking of breaking the spell. But she had to. As much as she wanted him again, they would have lots more time together.
"What's wrong?" he murmured. "If you're not ready to go again, you can just tell me."
"It's not that. I ... I have to tell you something."
Beth didn't know what Joanna was planning. She'd gone off yesterday in search of her true father, but if Ken was here, then she hadn't found him yet. She could have figured out who he was, though; she was more than smart enough.
"Tell me while I make love to you again." His mouth moved to her neck, suckling the flesh there in a way that had distracting, shivering sensations trailing through her whole body. His tongue, teeth, and lips moving together were almost enough for her to relax into him, to convince him that the truth about Joanna could wait until after they were both satisfied.
But what if Joanna was home? Now could be Beth's only chance to warn Ken before he heard from Joanna or worse, someone else. Reluctantly, Beth untangled her limbs from Ken's and put distance between their bodies so she could organize her thoughts.
"It can't wait," she said.
"Then tell me."
Beth hesitated, then sank back against the pillows. She had to tell him, this was her chance, and she had to take it.
"There's something I haven't told you. I—I should have yesterday, but I wasn't sure how you would react, and I was scared."
He brushed the messy hair out of her face and cupped her cheek. "I knew you weren't telling me everything, but I'm not upset. You can tell me whatever you'd like in the time that you need. I'll wait. What's a couple more days, weeks, even months or years when I've been waiting for you already?"
In the background while Ken was talking, there was a quiet thump of a door closing. Shit! Joannawashome!
Panic gripped Beth's muscles; the time she'd hoped to have to explain things to Ken in a safe environment had just been slashed in half. Worse, possibly down to seconds. Beth looked at Ken and saw that he was watching her. He could sense something was wrong.
"Beth, what is it?" he said, this time more urgently. "I don't mean to push you, but you're freaking me out."
"When I left, I—I was—when I was gone—" She swallowed hard. She had to tell him now. She had to say the words, but still, they wouldn't come. She started to tremble, fear or anxiety or both, she wasn't sure.
"Are you in trouble?" Ken said with a note of concern in his voice. "If you need something from me, all you have to do is ask."
"It's not that. I just—"
"Mom? Are you awake?" Joanna's voice came from down the hall.
"Mom?" Ken whispered harshly. "This is what you didn't tell me?"
Beth stared at him with wide, blank eyes. Her mouth opened and closed to find an explanation, finding herself still unable to speak.
Footsteps padded toward the door. "Mom!"
Beth found her voice. "Jo, honey, don't come in!"
The door flew open anyway, and Joanna stood there in the doorway, her long, dark brown hair falling in untamed curls over her shoulders. There were dark shadows under her eyes, and she was still wearing the leggings and baggy shirt she'd had on last night. She'd clearly been up too late last night, but scolding Joanna was the last thing Beth was worried about right now.
Joanna's eyes widened when she saw Ken in bed with Beth, who was clutching the blankets around their bodies. Then Joanna made a face of disgust. "Gross! What the hell, mom? I leave the house for 30 seconds and you're already in bed with someone?"
She slammed the door behind her and hurried away.
"Language!" Beth cried after her, but Joanna only muttered another curse in response.