by Mj Williamz
“You’re the eternal counselor, aren’t you? But, babe, I don’t need my head shrunk. I’m okay. And I have the means to do something nice that will help Phoebs, so I did. I didn’t do it out of guilt. You need to trust me.”
“I’m not trying to shrink your head, Boone.”
“It feels to me like you are. Can we please let it go?”
“Fine. We will. But if you want to talk about it, know I’ll listen and not judge, okay?”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Boone fought to keep her mood upbeat. She just wanted Phoebe to get there. She knew she’d be excited and that would make everything worthwhile.
Her wish was granted a few minutes later when Phoebe walked in.
“Hey, Phoebs! How was work today?” Boone asked.
“It was brutal. But I’m not complaining. I love my job so I persevered. There was just a lot going on today. But I kept up pretty well, I think.”
“Excellent. So, we have a little surprise for you.”
“We?” Grey said. “Boone has a little surprise for you.”
“You helped pick it out,” Boone said.
“What is it?” Phoebe asked.
Boone held out the keys.
“What?” Phoebe stared at them.
“That car parked next to my truck out there is yours.”
“Really?” Phoebe put her hands on her cheeks. “You bought me a car?”
“I did.”
“Oh, Boone! Thank you. But I can’t accept a car.”
“Phoebe, think about it. Tanner knows your car. It’s parked at work every day. That’s not safe. And it’s not like it’s a brand-new car. It’s an older model. But I really want you to have it. Now here.”
Phoebe took the keys and Boone and Grey followed her outside.
Boone watched as Phoebe took in the white Sentra parked there. Phoebe turned around and hugged her.
“Thank you so much!”
“You’re very welcome. Go ahead. Take it for a spin.”
“You two will come with me, right?”
They all climbed in and Phoebe drove around the neighborhood.
“This car is so fancy compared to mine.”
“Well, I’ll be taking your car and selling it tomorrow,” Boone said. “So stop thinking of it as yours. This is yours now.”
“Thank you again, Boone. This is so generous.”
“I want you to be safe, Phoebs. And this car is just one more step in that direction.”
“You’re the best,” Phoebe said as they pulled back into the shelter’s parking lot.
“I’m just happy to help.” Boone turned to Grey. “Are you about done for the day?”
“I am. I’ll follow you home?”
“Sounds good to me.”
Grey followed Boone, loving the sight of her tall, strong woman in her truck. She loved her so much, even more after seeing her generous display for Phoebe. Not many people would go that far to help someone they cared about, but Boone didn’t think twice about it. It was refreshing to see someone like that and she was grateful that Boone was hers.
She parked behind her in the driveway and walked into her arms. Boone held her tight.
When they released, Grey looked into Boone’s eyes.
“So, we’re okay?”
“We’re fine. Honest.”
“Okay. I really am sorry I made you angry earlier.”
“Babe, let’s not go back there. I wasn’t angry, really. More frustrated. I don’t know how to make you understand that just because I love Phoebe, it doesn’t mean I feel responsible. You’re a counselor. You’re supposed to be impartial. So, try to open your mind to believe what I’m saying, okay?”
Boone had a point. Grey nodded her head, conceding. Boone was a smart, together woman and Grey had to trust Boone knew her own feelings better than she did.
“Okay, sweetheart. I believe you.”
“Good. Now let’s get inside.”
Grey took Boone’s hand and walked inside with her. That simple contact made her feel happy and whole. She loved Boone’s touch, sexual or not. She couldn’t get enough of her. When she held her hand, she knew she was exactly where she belonged.
“Do you know how happy you make me?” she asked.
“I’m glad to hear I make you happy.”
“I mean it. Do you honestly realize?”
Boone took Grey in her arms and gazed into her eyes.
“Baby, you make me so very happy. It’s an honor to be able to do the same for you.”
“Oh, Boone.”
Boone lowered her head and Grey felt the familiar jump in her stomach. When their lips met, her legs went weak. She held on to Boone as the kiss heated up.
“Dear God, what you do to me,” she said.
“If we keep this up, we’ll be skipping dinner,” Boone said. “And I’m starving.”
Grey realized her stomach was grumbling, too. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
“Let’s make dinner,” she said.
They worked together in the kitchen, making the meal, and Grey set the table while Boone served them. Grey was amazed anew at how easy everything was with Boone.
“I’m crazy about you,” Grey said as they sat down.
“I’m crazy about you, too, baby.”
“I mean it. I’m nuts about you.”
“I know this. Are you okay, babe?”
“I’m fine. I’m better than fine. I’m great. I just love being with you.”
“I admit, there’s no place I’d rather be.”
“I like hearing that.”
“Eat up, because I plan to show you just how much I care about you.”
When the dinner dishes were done, Boone took Grey’s hand again and took her to the bedroom. They lay together on the bed with Boone stroking Grey’s hair.
“You’re so beautiful,” she said.
“You’re not so bad yourself.”
“I love your hair.”
Grey was beside herself. The tenderness was heating her up in so many ways. She had a warm contentedness filling her, as well as the familiar fire that came when she lay with Boone.
“I’m glad. That feels really good.”
“Yeah? Good. I love stroking your hair. I love brushing it off your face so I can look into your beautiful eyes.”
“You say the sweetest things.”
“I mean every word I say.”
Their lovemaking that night was gentle and tender. Gone was the urgency of the previous night. They took their time, with Boone guiding Grey to one climax after another.
Grey returned the favor, languishing between Boone’s legs and slowly pleasing her. She was rewarded with several powerful orgasms. As usual, she was filled with pride at being the one to give Boone such pleasure.
“I love loving you,” she said when she was in Boone’s arms.
“You do it very well.”
“Aw, thank you.”
Boone kissed Grey, softly at first, then with more passion. She rolled over on top of her and Grey’s heart raced, knowing what was coming.
Boone reached her hand between Grey’s legs, finding her still wet.
“Oh my God, you feel amazing,” Boone said.
Grey opened herself wider, welcoming Boone in. Boone slipped easily inside and stroked all the spots that took Grey closer to the edge. When Grey could stand it no longer, she crushed Boone to her and screamed her name, shocked as always at the intensity of the orgasms Boone elicited from her.
Boone pulled Grey to her again and Grey nestled against her chest, reveling in the closeness of her. She felt safe and protected in Boone’s arms and was happy she was right where she needed to be.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Boone walked out of the kitchen after the lunch rush and noticed Tanner’s truck in the parking lot before she found her lowlife brother sitting at the bar.
“Tanner. Long time no see.”
“Not that long.”
“How’s it goin’?”
“I’ve be
en better. I can’t believe that slut you’re fucking had me arrested.”
“Watch your language when you’re talking about her, brother.”
“I could call her a lot worse.”
“But you won’t,” Boone said. “So, any word from Phoebe?”
“No, she’s a fucking whore, too.”
“Man, you’re just all roses and sunshine today, aren’t you?”
“Whatever. Just get me another beer.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And this one should be on you,” Tanner said.
“Why’s that?”
“It’s the least you can do.”
“You know, if you’re that pissed at me, why do you even bother coming in here?”
“Because I know one of these days you’re going to slip up and let on where Phoebe is.”
“Tanner, I have no fucking clue where she is. She probably skipped town and is a million miles away by now. Have you checked in Florida for her?”
“Very funny. She has no money. She couldn’t have gotten far.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“Maybe her family helped her.”
“Her dad’s a good man,” Tanner said. “He would have sent her packing right back to her husband where she belongs.”
“I think she’s probably found where she needs to be by now and you should just let it go.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? I’m sure I’ll see her car at your house sometime and then you’ll finally be busted.”
“What? Are you staking out my house or something?”
“I cruise by on occasion. Look, Boone. I know you’re helping her. I just need to catch you in the act.”
“I’ve got nothing to do with her. Why would I?”
“Because you’d like nothing better than to stick it to me, which helping her would certainly do,” Tanner said.
“Why would I want to stick it to you? You’re my brother.”
“You’re so full of shit. You’ve hated me since I was born.”
“Again I ask, why do you even come in here, Tanner?”
“You’re not always here, for starters.”
“Fair enough.”
“Okay. Look, I’m sorry I’m in such a foul mood today, but I’m still pissed you let the cops take me away that night.”
“What could I do? It wasn’t my house. And if it was, and you wouldn’t leave, I might have done the same thing.”
“I’m sure you would. But, hey, let’s stop fighting. Sit. Have a beer with me.”
Boone wanted nothing less than to spend any time with Tanner, but she figured it wouldn’t hurt to soothe his bruised ego and have a beer with him. She grabbed two beers and handed one to him.
“So how’s work?” she asked.
“It sucks.”
“Why don’t you find a different outfit to work for?”
“I should. My asshole boss is a slave driver. He pays us shit and expects the world from us.”
Boone knew that wasn’t true. Tanner made good money when he showed up for work. She didn’t doubt that construction was a hard business, but Tanner had no other skills so couldn’t get work in any other field.
“That bites,” she said. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thanks. How’s business here?”
“It’s going pretty well. Football season is in full swing, which keeps us jumpin’ on the weekends. And we still get a decent crowd every day for happy hour.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
She doubted he really was happy to hear that she was doing well, but at least he was trying to be nice. She wondered if he was getting ready to ask her for money.
“So no work for you this afternoon?” she asked.
“I should probably get back to it, actually.” He downed his beer and stood.
“Well, thanks for stopping by.”
“Yep. I’ll see you.”
She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched his truck pull out. She hated having him around and was always weary that he’d show up at the shelter again. She wished he would disappear into the sunset, but he was like a bad penny. She had to accept that he’d always be in her life.
Boone finished her beer and went home to swim some laps to alleviate the tension that always came after a run-in with Tanner. She felt better after and soaked in the hot tub for a long while before showering and dressing to go see Phoebe.
She arrived at the shelter before Phoebe arrived back from work. Grey was with a resident, so Boone busied herself helping in the kitchen. She was there mashing potatoes when she felt arms wrap around her from behind and the feel of Grey’s soft lips caress the back of her neck.
“Hey, you,” Boone said.
“Hey yourself,” Grey said. “You look mighty sexy in that apron, woman.”
Boone turned and smiled into Grey’s eyes. She kissed her softly. “I’m glad you think I’m sexy.”
“Oh, honey. You have no idea.”
“How was your day?” Boone asked.
“Come into my office and we can talk.”
“Sounds good.”
Boone followed Grey down the hallway, admiring, as always, the soft sway of her hips under her skirt.
They sat on the love seat, holding hands.
“My day was great. We got a new intake, unfortunately, but she seems to be a strong woman and I have faith she’ll bounce back quickly.”
“I hate that you have new residents. I mean, I know it’s what keeps this place going, but I wish there was no need for a shelter like this.”
“I know exactly what you mean. I wish there wasn’t either. But I’m so happy that we have this place for the women who need it. How was your day?”
“Guess who showed up at the bar.”
“Tanner?”
“Yep.”
“I’m sorry, Boone.”
“Yeah. He said a lot of unpleasant things about you. I was royally pissed at him.”
“Well, that’s to be expected. I was the one who had him hauled away by the police.”
“Yeah, but he’s such a douchebag. He hates women, you know? I mean, he really hates women. It’s hard for me to fathom that depth of hatred.”
“Is he still hell-bent on finding Phoebe?”
“Oh yeah,” Boone said. “He hasn’t let go of that at all. I so wish he’d accept she’s gone and just move on. I even tried to tell him she’d probably left the area and he should leave it alone, but he won’t.”
They looked up when they heard someone in the doorway. They saw Phoebe watching them.
“Am I interrupting?” she asked.
“Not at all,” Grey said.
“You two look so serious.”
“It’s all good,” Boone said.
“You sure?” Phoebe asked.
“I’m sure.”
“Tanner showed up at Boone’s bar today,” Grey said.
“I’m sorry,” Phoebe said.
“Aren’t we all? He tried to be nice after a while, but he’s still an asshole.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“I’m sorry, Phoebe. I wish he’d get out of all our lives,” Boone said.
“So do I. But I don’t worry about him finding me anymore. I feel safe and secure here and at work. Plus he doesn’t know my new car. So I’m not afraid of him.”
“Good for you,” Grey said.
“I should go see if they need any more help in the kitchen.” Boone stood.
“Nonsense,” Phoebe said. “I’ll go in there and help with dinner. You two go home and relax.”
“I can’t argue with that logic,” Grey said.
“Neither can I.”
Boone hugged Phoebe.
“It’s really great to see you doing so well,” she said.
“Thanks. The same goes for you.”
Boone felt herself blush. She turned to Grey.
“Shall we?”
“We shall. I’ll see you tomorrow, Phoebe
.”
“Have a good night,” Phoebe said before leaving them alone.
“Where to?” Boone asked.
“You know what I have a hankering for?”
“Hard telling.”
“I want a really good burger.”
“I know just the place. We can go grab a burger and a beer. I know the owner, so we’ll get a good deal and great service.”
“The Boonies sounds great.” Grey laughed.
Boone kept checking her rearview mirror, making sure Grey was behind her. She had no reason to worry, but it felt good to see her car there.
She pulled into the back lot and Grey parked next to her. They walked in the back door and Boone froze. Grey walked right into her back.
“What’s wrong?”
“Tanner’s here.”
“Oh shit.”
“Come on.” Boone turned to leave. “Let’s go somewhere else.”
“No,” Grey said. “We’re not going to run away from him. This is your bar and you belong here.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want him to give you any grief.”
“I’m a big girl,” Grey said. “I can handle myself. Besides, you’re with me, so I feel safe.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I’m positive. Now let’s go.”
Boone took Grey’s hand and led her to the kitchen, where she wrote down their orders for the cook. She took her back behind the bar and grabbed a couple of iced teas.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s here,” Tanner said.
“Hey, Tanner. How was the rest of your day?” Boone tried to sound civil.
“Not as good as yours, I’m guessing. Did you just get laid?”
“That’s really none of your business,” Boone said.
“I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve got to hand it to you, Boone. This new piece of yours is easy on the eyes.”
“I warned you about talking about her that way.”
“It’s okay, Boone,” Grey said. “I’m fine. Let’s just go find a table.”
“I can’t believe you had me arrested, you whore.”
Boone turned back to Tanner.
“Back off, Tanner. I’ll have you kicked out of here if you don’t zip it right now.”
“You and her are just alike, aren’t you?”
“Tanner…”
“Fine. I’ll go back to playing pool. You two can fuck yourselves for all I care.”
“He’s so charming,” Grey said when they were seated.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with him.”