by D G Barnes
At the lack of a response from Dana, Mac glanced at her and noticed she was watching her hands with great interest as they moved the ice bag around her ankle. This wasn’t the first time she had brought a woman home without knowing her last name. That had been before her brother died when she had her own place, and before the responsibility of raising Ellie had turned her sex life into a mere shadow of its former self. She wasn’t going to parade women in and out of her bedroom with a young girl in the apartment. Now, on the rare occasion she did meet someone and it looked like she might get lucky, she insisted they go to her place. If that wasn’t an option, she would, reluctantly, end the evening unless Ellie was at a friend’s house or her grandparents’ for the night. She scolded herself and made a point to apologize to Dana for almost taking advantage of the situation. Damn, if Ellie hadn’t walked in, how far would she have gone? On the other hand, Dana hadn’t resisted. So, there’s that.
“Dana?” Mac said.
“Huh? Sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment,” she stammered, looking up.
“I asked you your last name. You never told me.”
“Oh, it’s Lawson.” She returned her eyes to the bag of ice.
“Wait! That’s it. That’s where I know you from.” Ellie squealed and hopped up and down excitedly. “You’re Dana Lawson, the author. Oh, I’m such a fan.” She scurried around the living room desperately trying to find something. “Where is it? Where is it?” she muttered as she searched.
“Ellie! Slow down. What are you looking for?” Mac asked.
“My book, my book. I must get Dana to sign it. You will sign it, won’t you, Dana?” Ellie asked with much enthusiasm. She didn’t wait for an answer and tore off down the hall to her room only to return moments later with a pocketbook and pen in hand.
“Ellie! Stop. Calm down,” Mac said sternly. “Dana is our guest, and she is hurt. I’m sure she is in no mood to be signing autographs?” She gave Dana an apologetic look.
“No. That’s okay,” Dana said. “I don’t mind signing it.” She took the book and pen. It was a copy of What the Heart Desires. She glanced up at Ellie and then signed the inside cover. “You’ve read this?”
“Oh, yes. I’ve read all your books, and I loved every one of them.”
“Well thank you, Ellie.” She handed the book and pen back.
“You sound surprised.” Mac checked the swelling of her ankle.
“It’s your business of course, but I figured my stories might be a bit…too mature for a young girl.”
Mac chuckled. “I’ve read a couple of your books, and they are wonderful by the way, but there is nothing in them she wouldn’t hear or see on TV.”
“Thank you, and you have a point.” Dana sank into the sofa. “If you keep rubbing my foot like that, I am going to fall asleep right here.”
Mac looked down. When did she put the ice aside and begin to massage Dana’s foot? “You can sack out on the sofa if you want, but there is a spare room, and it would be more comfortable.”
“No. That’s okay. I feel much better. I’ll head home.” She tried to sit up.
“Forget it. You need to keep your weight off that ankle. Besides, you only have one shoe; not that you need it right now,” she said firmly, her expression warm and caring. She knew she would have to search for the errant shoe later though.
Dana frowned. “Fine. Whatever you say. And just where is my shoe anyway?”
***
Sunlight filtered through the curtains and bathed the bedroom in a yellow hue. Dana groaned and stretched before opening her eyes. Confusion washed over her as she took in her surrounds. This wasn’t her room. She sat up and waited as the fog of sleep slowly cleared and the events of the night before came flooding back.
She tentatively tested her ankle, rotating and flexing it. Nothing. Thank God. Swinging her legs out of bed, she stood and slowly transferred her weight to the injured foot. A mild ache greeted her but nothing she couldn’t handle. Glancing around for her clothes, she spied them laying on the chair next to the bathrobe Mac had left for her the night before. She had helped her into the bedroom and laid out the robe to use if she wanted to grab a shower in the morning. Mac had been very caring, and Dana was grateful.
Flirty Mac had disappeared after Ellie had interrupted them, and they engaged in small talk once she had gone back to bed all bubbly and excited about meeting her. They too went to bed after Mac gave her ankle one last check and was satisfied the swelling had gone down. Dana had lain awake in the guest room replaying the wonderful time she had had in the tavern flirting with Mac, and what had almost happened on the sofa.
What had almost happened? They were going to kiss; that much was certain. But what then? Would they have made out like a couple of horny teenagers, or would Mac have taken her to her bedroom and made love to her? Dana felt a pleasant warmth radiate from her core and immediately shook the thought from her head; she was glad for Ellie’s interruption. She didn’t need this, another relationship that could only end in heartbreak. They always did.
Refreshed from her shower, Dana found Ellie sitting at the kitchen table typing on her laptop. She paused when she saw Dana and gave her a huge smile that reached her eyes. Dana remembered first noticing the brilliant green of Ellie’s eyes when they had met at the General Store, the same green as Mac’s. Must run in the family.
“Morning, Dana.” She typed for another second or two before closing the laptop. “Sorry, needed to get that thought down before it disappeared from my head. Mac has stepped out for a moment, said something about a mission to find a wayward shoe, I think. She’ll whip up breakfast when she gets back.”
Dana laughed and pulled out a chair. “Good morning to you too, and the wayward shoe would be mine. So, the thoughts.” She pointed at the laptop. “For your diary?”
“Huh? No. Nothing like that. I like to draw, and sometimes I make up stories to go with the sketches. So, when an idea comes to me, I write it down. Sounds silly, I know.”
“Doesn’t sound silly at all. I do the same thing. You never know when a story idea will present itself.”
“That’s true I guess.” The sound of the door drew her gaze. “Oh, look. Mac’s back and she seems to have found your shoe.”
Dana turned in her chair and saw Mac’s face light up. She tried to stop herself from letting her eyes wander the length of her body and failed miserably. Mac wore her hair loose and had on a tee shirt and pair of denim cut-off shorts that showed off her curves. Damn it all.
“Good morning, Dana. How’s the ankle feeling?” Mac placed the shoe with its mate by the door.
“Much better thanks. I can walk on it without pain. Did you have any trouble finding my shoe?”
“Nope. Steve grabbed it and put it in my office after you and I headed upstairs.”
“Good, I’m glad it didn’t get lost. I happen to like that pair of shoes.” She grinned.
Mac laughed and took a seat at the table. “Can you stay for breakfast?” She touched her arm. “My cook is bringing up pancakes and French toast in a few moments.”
Again, with that magical touch. Between that, her million-dollar smile and those eyes, which she stared into, she feared she may not make it through breakfast without coming undone. Mac’s hand remained on her arm, her index finger moving back and forth, and she stared back at her. She could not deny the sparks that flew between them as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Her stomach twitched, and she forced herself to look away.
“Thank you, but I don’t want to impose. You’ve already done so much for me. Which, by the way, I appreciate very much.”
“You are welcome, and you’re not imposing at all. Please stay and have breakfast with us.” She pushed her bottom lip out in an adorable pout.
“Okay. Okay.” Dana raised her hands in surrender. “I’ll stay, but you have to let me make it up to you.”
“Okay, you can let me take you out to dinner.”
Her pulse quickened and her face warmed. O
h, wow. Mac just asked her out. “Shouldn’t it be me taking you out?” The words spilled from her mouth.
“Great. It’s a date then.”
She gave Mac a dirty look. “I see what you did there. More of your trickery!” She glanced at Ellie who enjoyed the exchange and happily watched them. Dana was about to protest further, but a knock at the door interrupted her.
“Saved by the bell.” Mac jumped up and headed for the door. “Too late to say no.”
“So, do you normally have your kitchen staff make your meals and deliver them to you?” Dana asked as Mac walked her to her car a couple of hours later.
“God no. They offered, not sure if you would be mobile yet.”
“Well, in that case, please thank them for me, and I think they deserve a hefty raise for their efforts.”
Mac nodded. “I’ll be sure to pass it on.” She laughed. “Don’t know about the pay raise though.”
When they reached the car, Dana turned to Mac. “I had fun last night, bartender voodoo, and twisted ankle aside.”
Mac pursed her lips and shoved her hands into her pockets. “Listen, Dana. What happened on the sofa. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken advantage of the situation like that.”
She studied her face and saw her sincerity. “Did you hear me complain? But it is probably for the best that nothing happened.”
“I understand.” Mac glanced at the ground for a moment. “You don’t have to worry about dinner if you don’t want to. I mean…”
Disappointment clouded her face and filled her voice, and it tore at her. She swallowed. “Don’t be silly. Of course, I want to take you out to dinner. Besides, there are no expectations here other than dinner and a new friend.”
Her expression warmed, and she lightly touched Dana’s arm. “I would like that.”
“Me too. I will call you later and make plans.” Mac stepped back.
Dana wondered what it was about this woman’s touch that excited her. She said good-bye and got into her car. With a wave, she headed back to the beach house.
For the rest of the day, Dana busied herself with unpacking and finding a place for her clothes. She set up her laptop and writing materials on an antique desk situated near the big bay window overlooking the Atlantic. Tomorrow she would go into town and check out the shops.
After she ate supper, a simple pasta dish with tomatoes and a small salad, she decided a trip down to the beach was in order. She removed her shoes and socks and let the wet sand squish between her toes as she walked the beach enjoying the warmth of the sun and the breeze from the ocean. It was calming and tranquil, nothing but the sound of waves and occasional gull. She had walked the length of the beach twice by the time the sun set.
It was after ten when she stripped off and climbed into bed. Every time she closed her eyes, the sexy redheaded owner of The Rusty Anchor popped into her mind. She had to admit, Mac was a beautiful woman, but she hoped befriending her wouldn’t lead her down a path she wasn’t ready to travel. As her thoughts wandered back to the memories of Mac and the kiss that could have been, she wondered, fantasized really about what it would have been like. The taste of Mac’s lips, the feel of their tongues exploring, their naked bodies pressed together. As her mind wandered, so did her hand, sliding over her belly and under the band of her panties. She touched herself and breathed a soft moan, unable to deny her body the release it craved.
Chapter Five
Dana sat at a small table in the town’s Tim Horton’s coffee shop. She watched the steady stream of people come and go as she sipped on her large double-double and nibbled on a blueberry muffin. People, she mused, could be so different yet so alike at the same time. Everyone regardless of their sex, age or heritage were friendly and polite, and in true Canadian fashion, muttered a stereotypical sorry if called for.
A soft vibration in her pocket drew her attention. Pulling her phone out, she was happy to see a text from Mac. Hope you’re having a great morning. This had become a daily occurrence since her night in Mac’s spare room a week ago, and she found herself looking forward to the morning texts. Dana fired off a reply saying she was and hoped she was too. She felt guilty for having not taken Mac out to dinner as she said she would. Why was she so hesitant about this? It was only dinner, after all, and it’s what they had agreed upon. As she formulated what to say in the text to Mac, a familiar voice spoke to her.
“Hey, Dana. How’s it going?”
She looked up to see Rhonda Blake approach her table. The woman, who she had first seen when she had waved to Dana from the beach a week ago, pulled out a chair and sat, coffee in hand. She was a plump woman in her late forties and of average height. Short brown hair hung in loose waves framing her warm, friendly face, and a broad smile showcased bright white teeth.
“Hi, Rhonda. I’m well thanks. You?” She put her phone down. Their paths had crossed daily since Dana began to stroll the beach in the evenings. Rhonda, she had learned, lived a few houses away with her husband, Carl, and their rambunctious black Lab, Buster. Carl managed the local hardware store, and Rhonda operated Between the Covers, a bookstore in town.
“I’m great. I’m glad I ran into you. Have you got a minute?”
“Yup. No plans and no cares for me today.” Which was true except for the calling Mac thing. “What’s up, Rhonda?”
“Well, I have a favor to ask of you. But feel free to say no. It’s just a thought.”
Dana looked at her expectantly. “I can’t say no if I don’t know what it is.”
“Yes, right.” Rhonda laughed. “Well, the town library is in desperate need of repairs, but the town council says it doesn’t have the budget to cover all the costs. They are, however, willing to consider matching dollar for dollar any monies raised by the community.”
“So, you would like me to donate then?”
“If you would like to, that would be great. But no, that’s not it,” Rhonda said. “The town has been holding many fundraisers over the last several months. Things like bake sales, suppers put on by the local Lions Club, concerts by the school children, and things like that.”
Dana sipped at her coffee, peering over the rim at her as she listened to her animated explanation. “Well, unfortunately, I don’t bake, and I can’t sing worth beans.”
“I guess it’s lucky for the town then that I’m not going to ask that of you.” She smirked playfully. “What I was thinking was a book signing, with the proceeds from the book sales going to the library fund.”
Dana only had to think about it for a second. “I would be happy to do that for you. When were you thinking?”
“Terrific!” Rhonda almost bounced in her seat. “Well, foot traffic picks up during the summer with all the tourists. But during the town’s Lobster Days festival, which is in a few weeks, would be ideal. There are always huge crowds around then.”
“Sounds like a plan, Rhonda. Send me a text with details when you can.”
“I will do that for sure.” She stood, the thrill of the positive response evident on her face. “And thank you so much for doing this.”
“My pleasure.”
“I will leave you to your day then. Talk to you soon.” She waved over her shoulder as she headed for the door.
Dana laughed to herself at Rhonda’s exuberance. It was as if the woman had received the best news ever. Once Rhonda was gone, she picked up her phone and her thoughts went to Mac. She liked Mac. Truly she did. Mac was beautiful, warm, and funny; did she mention beautiful? Because she was. And her flowing red hair, something Dana had always had a weakness for. Damn. Maybe it was time to get back in the saddle and put her heart out there. Her stomach tightened, and she set the phone down.
Looking out the window at the passersby, she sighed. She wished Jenny was here to talk sense into her. She knew precisely what Jenny would say and could almost hear her voice in her head. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Go out and have some fun with Mac and get laid while you’re at it. She would be right as usual, Dana decided.
Not the getting laid part mind you, not yet anyway. But the rest of it for sure. More than a year had passed since Gail walked out of her life. It was time to move on, and that’s what she would do.
She picked up the phone again, forgetting about the text, took a breath and called Mac.
***
“How many outfits are you going to try on?” Ellie asked from her position at the end of Mac’s bed; a pile of discarded clothes lay beside her. She had watched her aunt for the last hour rifling through her wardrobe for the perfect outfit.
“All of them if I have too.” Mac looked at herself in the full-length mirror, turning left and then right studying the blue, off the shoulder blouse she wore. It was pretty, yet simple. “How does this look? It isn’t too much is it?”
“Mac, it looks great. You look great.”
She saw Ellie in the mirror, giving her a nod of approval. “Thanks, El.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now, wear your white jeans and sandals, and you’ll be all set.” Ellie retrieved the pants from the closet and handing them to her.
“Since when did you become a fashionista?” She wiggled into the jeans.
Ellie shrugged. “What time will you be home?”
Mac raised an eyebrow as she turned to Ellie. “Not late I imagine. Why? Got somewhere to be?”
“No.” Ellie giggled. “I thought you might have more than dinner in mind for tonight.” A mischievous grin crossed her face.
“Ellie Caitlin Mackenzie. You’ve been reading far too many of Dana’s novels,” she said in mock annoyance. “Besides, we're just two friends going out for dinner. Nothing more.”
“Yeah, right. It looked like more than just friends on the sofa the other night. And then there is this whole trying on every outfit thing.” She grabbed a top from the pile, holding it up as evidence before letting it drop.
“The sofa happened. Yes. But Dana made it clear she only wants to be friends.” She put on a pair of small gold earrings.
“But that’s not going to stop you, is it?” Ellie hung the unfortunate contenders back in the closet.