by BJ Wane
“That would be me, Lillian Gillespie.” She took her hand wishing she possessed a fraction of the other woman’s curves.
“You have to join me at the tea shop after you get your books and tell us about having our good doctor all to yourself for almost three days. We’re dying of curiosity.” Avery’s eyes sparkled and her teasing grin was contagious.
Small town living, don’t ya just love it? Lillian thought back to the intense heat of that hour by the fireplace, not all of it coming from the flames crackling in front of her naked body. “Word travels fast around here, doesn’t it? I hate to burst your bubble, but there’s not much to tell. Mitchell wasn’t too happy about having me there, but we both made the best of it.” It wasn’t as if she could tell a stranger something so private. It would likely shock Avery to hear how Lillian had obeyed his commands without much thought or hesitation. Heck, just thinking about her easy capitulation was a jolting reminder of how desperate she’d been for anything that would take her mind off facing the rest of her life without her twin and best friend at her side.
“Avery, why don’t you show Lillian where to find the genres she’s interested in. I’m Willa, dear, and yes, I’ll have a temporary card ready for you when you’ve made your selections,” the librarian said, handing her an information sheet to fill out.
“Sure, I’d love to. It’s always fun to browse with someone who still enjoys reading print books.” As soon as the two of them moved away from the counter, Avery whispered, “Please tell me there was more to your stay in the woods than that.”
Seeing no polite way to refuse, Lillian pasted on a smile. The other woman’s enthusiasm for gossip reminded her of Liana and how her sibling thrived on involving herself in her author’s lives. “Sorry. He was a congenial host, well, except for his penchant for bossiness. The man never asked, just demanded.”
Avery chuckled as she led Lillian toward the suspense section. “I know what you mean. My husband is the same way.”
“And you don’t mind?”
She shrugged. “Sometimes, but he has a way of making it worth not arguing too much.”
“Huh. Well, no offense, but great sex still isn’t worth putting up with overbearing bossiness.”
“No, but awesome sex is, and besides, Grayson only turns really demanding and firm when he’s concerned for me over something. That’s nice, to know he cares so much. I never had that before him. Have you read this?” Avery pulled out a mystery thriller. “It’s very good and has a surprise ending.”
“I love surprise endings.” Lillian took the book, envying the other woman’s happiness and speculating about whether the perks from a committed, close relationship were worth putting up with a domineering man on occasion.
“Stick around here long enough and you might get one of your own, like me. So, what do you say?” Avery asked as they strode back to the counter “Do you have time for a cup of tea with me?”
I have nothing else to do, nowhere to go and no one else. And wasn’t that the sad truth? “I’d love to. Thank you.”
Chapter 5
The tea shop reminded Lillian of the coffee bar she often visited back home with its small dining area and long glass-enclosed counter showcasing sweets to go with the list of teas and coffees. She followed Avery to one of the round tables with wrought iron legs and matching chairs as the woman behind the counter glanced up with a welcoming smile.
“Hey, girlfriend. You’re early, but that’s fine by me. It’s been slow this morning.” Coming around the counter, the rich hue of her mink brown hair grazed her shoulders as she eyed Lillian out of light brown eyes. When she reached the table, she didn’t shy away from eying her bruises with a wince. “Please don’t say you ran into a wall.”
Lillian chuckled. She liked her open candor. “Funny, that’s almost the same thing Mitchell said. The man who did this is history and no longer a threat.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” She thrust out a hand. “Mitchell, huh? You must be his rescued guest. I’m Nan.”
She shook Nan’s hand, wondering at all the interest in the local doctor’s personal life. He was hot, yes, but given both women wore sparkling wedding rings, she doubted they were pining for male companionship. “I’m Lillian, and I’m not Mitchell’s anything and prefer to keep it that way.”
“Do tell but let me get you something first. I recommend the cherry green tea or sweet blackberry black tea to go with a cinnamon scone.” Flicking Avery a look, she said, “Only green for you. The last time I caved and gave you the loaded coffee you wanted, Master Grayson reamed me good for abetting you in sneaking caffeine.”
“That’s not as bad as what he did to me.” Avery sent Lillian a quick look and blushed before rolling her eyes and nudging her glasses back up. “We were just discussing bossy men and I told Lillian I don’t mind it when my husband goes all caveman on me, but sheesh, his overprotectiveness has gone off the charts since I got pregnant.”
One word stood out from Nan’s remarks and drew on Lillian’s curiosity. “Master? Is that a joke or nickname?”
“Definitely no joke. Our husbands like sexual control, along with protective streaks that can get annoying.” Nan cocked her head. “Master Mitchell is good friends with them. I’m surprised you didn’t pick up on it, staying in such close quarters for almost three days. It’s not as if any of them shed their private personas completely to don a different attitude when not at their club.”
“Huh, so that’s where the bossiness comes from.” Knowing the doctor was into the kinks of BDSM explained a lot, but not the ease with which she had accepted his commands. Lillian most definitely wasn’t interested in letting a man dictate to her ever again, not even for rewarding sex. Needing to change the subject, she said, “The cherry green sounds good.”
“Okay, make it two,” Avery added then turned to Lillian. “I hope we didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
Lillian shook her head. “No, not at all. In fact, you’re braver than I am. I’ve met your husband and don’t think I’d go against his wishes.”
A smile brightened Avery’s face. “His bark is worse than his bite. Well,” she shifted on the seat with an exaggerated grimace and sparkle in her caramel eyes. “Most of the time anyway.”
Lillian would not ask. Just that slight movement hinted at where the sheriff had delivered his punishment and reminded her of the light swats Mitchell introduced her to. She hadn’t minded those; in fact, she’d found the taps stimulating. A small souvenir to take with her when she got back on the road again in a few days.
“What are your plans while you’re here?” Nan asked as she set a tray down with their tea and scones.
“I haven’t made any except to find the arts and crafts shop the motel manager mentioned. I don’t know how much longer it’ll take for my car, but it should only be a few days.” She blew on the hot beverage and took a sip, the steaming tea tasting good and easing her chills. Winter was not the best time to travel north.
“That’d be Maisie’s over on Second Street. I’ll give you a lift when you’re done, if you want,” Avery offered.
“Thanks, but I don’t want to put you out. I’m sure I can find it, and Bob, from the motel, already offered to come back and pick me up.”
“It’s on my way, so it’s no trouble. There’s an accounting office on Second I’ve got an appointment at to check a downed computer.”
“Okay, then thanks. It’s quiet in here. Is that because of the snow?”
“Nah, weather rarely keeps anyone home around here,” Nan replied. “It’s always slow after the morning coffee rush. Most weeks, our friends, Sydney and Tamara join us on Wednesdays, but they’re both in the final weeks of their third trimester and sticking close to home.”
Lillian arched a brow as she swallowed a bite of pastry. “Is there something in the water I need to worry about?”
“Not unless you got closer to our good doctor than you said. There’s just as many of us who aren’t in a hurry to join them,
even if Dan keeps hinting about the two of us not getting any younger,” Nan returned.
“Speaking of your husband.” Avery nodded toward the door as the bell above it jingled and a tall blond man wearing a dark brown Stetson, leather coat and cowboy boots sauntered in.
Nan stood with a beaming smile and Lillian experienced a tight clutch in her abdomen as her husband focused his dark eyes on her. Ignoring his audience, he cupped her nape and drew his wife’s head up for a deep kiss that made Lillian question the enjoyment of her every lip lock. By the time he released Nan with a playful smack on her butt and nudged his hat back, she was the one squirming in her seat. Smiling, he said, “Good morning, ladies. You must be Mitchell’s rescue. Dan Shylock.”
“Again, I’m not the doctor’s anything. Nice to meet you. I’m Lillian.” Lillian shook his hand, bemused by how fast and far word had spread of the short time she’d spent snowed in with their resident physician.
“If you say so, Lillian.” He turned back to Nan who had poured him a to-go cup. “Thank you. I’ve got to be in court this afternoon, wait for me and we’ll go home together.” He pinched Nan’s chin. “I’m sure you can find something to amuse you until I get back from Billings.”
“I’m sure I can,” Nan drawled. “See you this evening.”
“He is so hot.” Avery fanned herself and Lillian had to agree as they watched him stroll out. There was something about the way the two of them looked at each other that prompted her to tighten her legs to still her quivering pussy.
Uncomfortable with her response, Lillian retorted without thinking, “He’s as bossy as Mitchell,” and then lifted stricken eyes up to Nan. “I’m sorry. That sounded rude.”
Nan laughed. “No it didn’t, it sounded honest. And accurate, he is bossy. I don’t mind at the club, in fact, I love giving him control there. I didn’t argue with him just now because I know he worries about me driving after dark when the roads are so much worse. You learn to pick your battles when you’re married to a dominant man. Since I’ll still be around this evening, how about dinner at Dale’s Diner on the corner?”
Lillian marveled at the way both women welcomed her without hesitation, offering their time and company without pause to a stranger. Maybe they were curious about what went on with her and Mitchell, or maybe they were just nice people. Either way, their friendly overtures this morning meant a lot. “Can I give you my number and let you know after I get back to the motel? To be honest, I may not want to get out in the cold again.”
“Can’t blame you. Sure. I’ll call when I’m ready to close up. Avery, I’ll see you Saturday. You two take your time. I’ve got to get ready for the noon crowd.”
By the time Avery dropped her off at the art store, the sun shone high in a bright blue sky and the temperature had risen above freezing. “If I don’t see you again, it was nice meeting you,” Lillian said as she opened the car door. “Thank you for a nice morning.”
“My pleasure. I was a stranger in town not long ago and remember how alone I felt until I met a few people. If you decide to stick around a little longer, give me or Nan a call.”
“I’ll see how it goes. Tell the sheriff hi for me.”
Avery waved and pulled away as Lillian entered the store, the sharp, nose tickling scent of paints turning her fingers itchy to get back to work. With everything that had happened in the past week, it was doubtful she would still attend the Naples Art Show next week, and that was a good thing. Given her frame of mind, she wouldn’t have made a favorable impression on anyone even if the work she planned to enter was some of her best.
She spent two hours in the store and made the owner’s day with her purchases. After arranging to have them delivered to the motel, she set out on foot, figuring she could call Bob if she got too cold or tired before reaching the motel. The walk was necessary to clear her head as she couldn’t help the images planted in her mind from listening to Avery and Nan describe their husbands and relationships with them. After what Brad had subjected her to with his blackmailed control, she couldn’t imagine ever becoming a willing partner in such a relationship. It didn’t matter that her body grew warm and tingly when she thought of turning herself over to Mitchell’s dominant care. If she went off like a firecracker from having his hands on and in her, what would it be like to give herself over to his fully controlled possession?
Lillian shuddered as she imagined the possible heights he could drive her to. Lifting her face to the sun, she let the rays add additional warmth to her overheated body. There was no way of knowing if her strong, uncharacteristic reaction that night had been due to stress and/or grief, or a buildup of needy lust. She never denied Mitchell was an attractive, sexy man even if his bossy attitude turned her off. What turned her on had been those light slaps that left her aching for more and his talented fingers invading her body with ruthless determination and possession, wringing multiple orgasms from her before he was through.
After reaching the motel and letting Bob know she didn’t need the ride, Lillian warmed up in the shower and spent the rest of the afternoon painting. She was so immersed in her art, she jumped when her phone buzzed and Nan asked if she wanted to go to dinner.
“Is it that late already?” Glancing at the time, she saw it was almost six.
“Yes, and I’m starving. Dan will be at least another hour and Gertie’s special is fried shrimp tonight. I can be there in ten minutes to get you.”
“I’ll be ready. Thanks, Nan.”
“Don’t just stand there expectin’ me to escort you to a seat. Grab a stool.”
Nan smiled at the scowling older woman bustling behind the long counter inside Dale’s Diner. “Gertie, be nice. Lillian is stranded here until Mort gets her car fixed.”
Lillian eyed the crotchety woman with a bemused expression as she took a seat next to Nan. The corner diner resembling something out of the fifties with its black and white checkered floor and juke boxes in every booth was almost full, and if the food was half as good as it smelled, she understood why.
Slapping a menu down in front of her, Gertie gave her bruised face a critical once over before nodding, as if coming to some kind of conclusion about her. “I see our doc took good care of you. Next time, don’t be out on those back roads with weather coming in. There’s still shrimp left, if you want the special.”
“I take it Gertie’s sparkling personality is why this place is so popular,” Lillian drawled with humorous sarcasm as Gertie turned to grab two filled plates off the shelf separating the kitchen from the counter.
“Don’t let her fool you. She blusters a lot but has a heart as big as Montana. She gave Avery a job when she came to town alone and almost broke and never asked questions when Avery said she needed to be paid in cash. Instead, she offered to let her stay in the upstairs apartment as part of her salary.”
“I sense a story there.” Lillian scanned the menu, leaving it up to Nan whether to say more about how Avery had come to Willow Springs.
“Yes, but it’s hers to tell. It ended well for her, though, and she snagged our hot sheriff to boot.”
A shudder rippled through her as she recalled Sheriff Monroe’s icy glare when he saw her face. “He’s a little scary, and I don’t scare easily.”
Nan chuckled. “Like our Gertie, Grayson’s glare and sharp mouth is mostly bluster. I wouldn’t attempt to rub him the wrong way at the club, but I’d trust him with my life, and to have my back, just as I would any of my friends, including Doctor Hoffstetter. C’mon, Lillian,” she coaxed with an elbow nudge. “Spill about you and Mitchell. No red-blooded woman could stay closed up with him for long and not beg to get naked with him.”
“You’re married,” Lillian reminded her with an arched brow.
“But I’m not dead. I can look and fantasize.”
Gertie returned and they ordered the special, giving Lillian a minute to gather her thoughts. A change of subject was definitely in order. “Sorry, but there’s nothing to tell, like I said earlier. And i
f he’s a member of that club, I now know why we didn’t hit it off. No offense, but that’s not my thing.” Waving a hand around her face, she said bluntly, “One man beating on me was enough for a lifetime.” Which didn’t explain why she’d responded so strongly to those teasing butt taps.
“Yeah, and I’m sorry for you. I have experience with an abuser myself, and could tell you there’s a world of difference, like comparing apples to oranges, but it’s something that can’t be explained. You either see it, experience it and know, or you don’t.” Nan paused as Gertie set their plates in front of them.
“There you go. Eat up, you’re both too skinny.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice. Thanks, Gertie.” Nan bit into a large, crusted shrimp and then changed the subject, much to Lillian’s relief. “Where are you headed once you get your car back?”
Anywhere. Nowhere. “I haven’t decided yet. Once I was free of that jerk, I just took off.”
Nan nodded. “I get that. Sometimes running without looking back or forward is easier than staying still and learning to adjust.”
Lillian dropped a shrimp tail on the plate, eyeing her askance. “Is that what you did, learned to adjust?”
“Nope, just the opposite. I stayed still and didn’t cope, not as well as I’d thought, even after counseling. Thankfully, my friends, Dan being the most important, showed me the error of my thinking and then offered me unconditional support. You know, Lillian, if you don’t have anywhere you have to be, you could do worse than hanging around here for a while.”
She scooped up a forkful of mashed potatoes then paused to reply, “And how long would that take to get around?”
“Hey, cut us some slack,” Nan protested with a wide grin. “It’s winter and we get bored.”