"You're a smart person. You like her. You care about her. It's okay."

"There is nothing wrong with immersing yourself into a moment in life. Compassion & kindness."

"It's nice."

Cora's internal debate was cut short as they approached the massive building. Cora followed the dark SUV into the parking garage and parked in a guest stall.

Zola waited for Cora to exit her car. She was smiling and looking dangerously attractive. Cora followed her to the express elevator. She began the process of being mindful of the present moment, so she could enjoy the experience fully. Her heartbeat felt wonderfully uneven.

Zola sensed Cora's excitement and anticipation. "Are you ready, Cora? Which floor? 56th or 46th?"

Cora smiled, answering with certainty. "I am absolutely ready, hostess's choice. But I think I'd like to share the experience with only you."

Zola and Cora began the smooth ride to her condo. Just before they stepped through the residence door, Zola slipped her hand into Cora's, leading her gently to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Cora's eyes filled with the reflection of the city lights. She breathed slowly and deeply, taking in the beauty of the city. The silence and the lights dominated the shared moment. Zola found watching Cora experience the view for the first time was intoxicating. They stood together in their respective gazes until their breathing synchronized and the silence warmed them like a blanket.

"Zola, you were right," Cora breathed softly. "It's spectacular. How do you sleep at night?"

"Alone."

Cora turned away from the view for the first time since entering the apartment. She took in the profile of Zola who was looking out over the city, deep in thought. Cora's heart raced at the vision of Zola with a complex mix of sorrow, compassion, and desire. She felt unsettled and stimulated.

Cora whispered softly,"You've been lonely for a long time, haven't you?"

Zola's response was thoughtful and laced with the simplicity of emotional distance. "Yes. I have. Even before Harper and I split up. I felt alone. I think probably since my mom died. She was my compass in life in many ways."

Zola turned and smiled softly. "Can I make you some tea or coffee? We can sit and enjoy the view."

"I'd love to sit with you. Nothing to drink for me but I will take a detour by the bathroom."

"Of course. Down the hall on the left."

When Cora returned, she found Zola sitting and dressed in a very familiar sweatshirt and comfortable-looking pajama pants. "Hey! That's not fair!" Cora laughed out loud. "And that's my sweatshirt!"

"I told you. It's comforting. And your laugh, Cora. It's wonderful." Zola's happiness radiated through the large space. "But don't worry, I took care of you. Guest bedroom." Zola nodded back down the hallway.

Cora entered the room. It was luxurious and four times larger than hers. On the bed was a pair of pajama pants and a "loved" Parsons sweatshirt wrapped in a bow. Cora's chest tightened with joy at Zola's gift. It was both thoughtful and affectionate.

Cora quickly changed and returned to the view. She fell down onto the massive sofa just a few feet from Zola. "Best gift ever. Thank you."

"Oh that's not a gift. I'll be wanting that back." Zola winked at her "You look incredible."

Cora's body shivered with pleasure. It didn't take long for Cora to lose herself in the city skyline again. She sat with one leg dangling over the edge of the sofa and hugging the knee of her other leg.

Zola lost herself in the vision of Cora, this time "lost" feeling more like "found." "Cora?"

"Yes?" Cora broke her gaze and turned to face Zola.

"How do you that? How do you lose yourself in an experience?"

Cora smiled. "Practice. I have been practicing mindfulness and immersion since graduate school at UT."

"Could you teach me?"

"Absolutely. You simply need to . Decide there is something you want to experience. . And you give yourself over to it, emotionally and cognitively." Zola nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Pick something simple at first. Your hair. It's beautiful." Cora's voice was rhythmic. "Washing your hair, maybe. Step your way through deliberately. 'Love' every moment, every touch, the silkiness of the shampoo in your hair, the heat, the smell, the sound of the water falling around you. Immerse yourself in the sensation of your fingers pulling across your scalp."

Zola's eyes were dilated, heat rising in her skin. "Cora, I might have to leave you to go wash my hair."

Cora grinned, intensifying Zola's desire. "Practice twice a day on anything. Soon it will be second nature."

"I know what I want to practice on." Zola shifted, lifting her legs up onto the sofa and tucking them under her body. She knelt on her knees and leaned over toward Cora. Zola whispered, moving closer with every word. "You. Are. Fascinating. So thoughtful. Kind." Her lips were so close that Cora winced quietly at the distance that remained.

Cora's eyes moved between Zola's cinnamon eyes and perfect lips. "Zola, you dazzled me with the view. Relaxed me with your Parsons sweatshirt. And now, you're seducing me with your words."

"I'm not seducing you with my words, Cora." Zola moved and her lips brushed Cora's as she spoke. "I'm seducing you with words. You could just '' me."

Any resistance Cora was pretending to have was completely eclipsed by Zola's proximity and carefully crafted words. Cora let go and pressed into Zola's mouth with gentleness that soon grew into urgency.

Their tongues and lips danced in perfect form and harmony as Cora buried her hands in Zola's thick, soft hair, pulling her closer. Zola rose, guided by Cora's gentle hands. She began to press Cora deep into the cushions.

Cora's eyes rolled and she moaned with intense pleasure. She let her hands slide down Zola's torso and rest on Zola's waist and lower back, pulling her down so their bodies made full contact.

Zola was stunned by Cora's confidence and the certainty in her touch. There was no hesitation from the woman, just simple commitment to the moment. Cora rolled Zola effortlessly, dropping her mouth to Zola's neck and collarbone, pulling at her hips, pressing her torso into her.

Zola writhed and gasped in total bliss. Zola pulled at Cora's sweatshirt, easily removing it. Cora pushed the Wake Forest sweatshirt over Zola's head.

Cora paused, hovering over Zola. "You're not alone tonight." She smiled and dropped down, kissing Zola slowly and deeply in an attempt to drive all loneliness from Zola's heart and mind. Zola could sense the woman's total immersion and she too gave herself over to the passion and kindness of the touch.

Within moments, the women were naked, their bodies intertwined. Covered in light sweat, trembling with tension and need, they explored each other with their hands and mouths.

Zola rolled on top of Cora and hooked the back of her knee, pulling up smoothly and opening up her hips. She could feel heat and moisture rolling off Cora. Zola smoothly moved her hips and core up, creating friction while simultaneously pushing into Cora with her fingers. Zola rocked their bodies together, intensifying the rhythm and touch.

Cora's hands wrapped around Zola's lower back, her fingertips digging in as her hips thrust naturally forward. When Cora gasped for release and satisfaction, Zola covered her mouth with her lips and tongue, muffling her cries and melting into her.

Zola felt Cora's soft flesh quiver and she pressed down with her hips and pulled purposefully with her fingers, rubbing and rocking, driving them both toward a rolling orgasm.

Cora felt every fiber of her body responding to Zola's touch. She felt Zola's energy, emotional need, and connection as she pushed them to the dizzying climax. Both women shuddered and trembled in satisfaction and tenderness.

Zola collapsed slowly into Cora, letting her breathing regulate and basking in the moment. Zola could feel Cora drawing her fingers through her hair gently and slowly. She let herself be mindful of the moment, focusing on Cora's touch on her scalp and the compassion in her fingertips. Zola drifted into sleep.

Cora sighed, content and folding Zola up in her arms, the shared experience feeling wonderfully organic. Cora never thought of leaving Zola. She did not want her to wake and feel alone in any measure.

Zola stirred. "Cora ..." she whispered in transcendent joy. "You're amazing." She pushed through Cora's hair and into the soft skin of her neck, kissing and pulling with her tongue and lips.

Cora chuckled lightly. "Zola, it's late. I have rounds tomorrow."

"So you're going to leave me?" Zola continued to kiss Cora, following her jawline and kissing the hollow of her neck.

"No. But I do need to get some sleep. My shifts rotate and tomorrow I'm on 7AM to 7PM. Sometimes I do 3 to 3 shifts. Sometimes 5 to 5." Cora sighed at the soft, inviting touch. "I can leave from here and shower at the hospital and wear scrubs."

Zola pulled back and searched Cora's brown thoughtful eyes. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course. Kindness is a powerful healer when it comes to loneliness." Zola's heart seized in her chest and she let her mouth descend into Cora's in an attempt to taste her affection. Cora let Zola pull her in and she smiled into the kiss. " Zola ..."

"Okay, you win. But, you can shower here." Zola stood up, releasing Cora from the weight of her body and the pursuit of her lips. The women slipped on their sweatshirts and pants and Zola pulled Cora into her massive master suite. "Come sleep with me." Zola smirked. "I promise I won't 'seduce' you again. I wouldn't want my favorite chaplain to get in trouble with the 'big guy.'"

Cora laughed lightly. "Nothing to worry about there. I'm a Secular Humanist. I practice Engaged Buddhist thought."

Zola stood frozen at the foot of the bed while Cora buried herself in the softest linens she had ever felt. Her body relaxed and she glanced at the clock, almost 2am. Time for a "power nap." Cora set her internal alarm clock for 5am.

"What?!" Zola joined Cora in the bed.

"Zola ... sleep ..." Cora murmured, already letting her mind go.

"Did I just have sex with a Buddhist monk? What's a Secular Humanist?" No response. Zola smiled to herself as she snuggled close to Cora. She whispered in the dark, "Buddhists, who knew?"