When Best Lesbian Erotica 1999 came out, I was riding herd on a toddler and awaiting the birth of his brother. Taking a bath alone at the end of a long day was one of my only moments of peace. So, to “die-hard femme” Dawn Dougherty thank you for that bubblin’ hot bath story! And all best wishes to you wherever you may be, from the femme I was tin 1999, and from the femme I am now.
Deep gratitude to Dawn Dougherty for letting us step behind the shower curtain and witness her super-queer, super-sexy love affair with bathing!
The tub had filled nearly to the top and the bubbles formed high, soft peaks. Perfect, I thought. I turned the knobs off and put one foot into the fiery water. It took me several minutes to adjust to the temperature. I lay back and momentarily hesitated while I debated leaving my hair dry (I was having a good hair day, after all). In the next instant I plunged my head into the sizzling water and came up with a mass of wet, dangling hair. I pondered how I wanted her to first see me. I leaned forward with my arms wrapped around my legs and hair hanging down my right shoulder. I sat up tall with sudsy nipples just above the water line, hair fanned out across my back. I finally settled on leaning back with one knee bent slightly above the water.
She opened the door and caught me mid-thought. My stomach did a somersault as she paused at the door and stared at me. The only sound was the water dripping slowly from the showerhead and her deep exhalation. She stood in the doorway for what seemed like an eternity, watching me.
“That is the best image I have ever seen in my entire life,” she finally said.
–“Water Marks” by Dawn Dougherty, from Best Lesbian Erotica 1999, Tristan Taormino, ed., selected and introduced by Chyrstos; Cleis Press, 1999
Every Friday, I showcase a queer femme goddess. I want to feature you! Write to me at thetotalfemme@gmail.com.
The Total Femme 
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