by G S Binkley
“Just what are you admitting to?” Lacy’s sharp tone cut deeply.
Great. I’m in deep trouble here. “Whatever it is that has you upset.” Gage reluctantly admitted and knowing she was ignorant of what she had done would further irritate the younger woman. “I did it. And, I’ll never do it again …. whatever it was.”
“Really?” An arched eyebrow seared a questioning look at her lover. “I’m upset that we haven’t been together all week among other things and NOW you’re saying you’ll never do it again.”
Gage swiftly scooted closer. “I misspoke…. obviously. I always want to do that… with you.” The beaming smile crossing her lips gave away Gage’s lascivious thought. “You want to do it now?”
“Mmmmm. I do….” A weary sigh escaped. “But, I am so tired.”
“Okay.” The blonde wanted to be understanding. “We can… cuddle. I know you like that.”
Lacy ignored the offer. “Sweetheart, when did you talk with Mark?”
Gage shifted back on the bed uneasily. “Not too long before you got home. Why?”
Playing with the silky sheets, Lacy reluctantly asked. “Are we…. am I getting in your way…… of doing what you really want to do?”
Gage pulled Lacy’s in her arms. “No way. I love you.” The blonde gently kissed her lover. “And I love the kids. Lacy, I’m enjoying all this. Well, except, for the sex scenes you do. But, they’re over. Right?”
“Right.” Lightly running her hand along Gage’s thigh, Lacy continued with her concerns. “You never have time to write.”
“Not true. Just today, I was running a few story lines past…..” Gage had to smile. “Derek. And, he was a big help, too. Finally got him to stop repeating everything I say.”
“Mmmm Hmmm.” Not convinced. “While I’ve been working on this movie you’ve been more like a…… babysitter.”
“Am I complaining? No. I’m loving it.” Brushing the back of her hand along the star’s perfect features, Gage continued. “Really. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it.”
“Maybe we should get a nanny or something.”
“Why?” Gage lifted her lover’s chin gazing deeply into worried blue eyes. “You’re almost finished with the movie…. then we’ll have plenty of time together.”
“And what about you making movies… your career?” Lacy’s concern about her partner’s future was evident.
Nodding knowingly. “Is all this insecurity because you’re pregnant?”
Lacy hiked up an angry arched eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
Uh oh! “What I mean is… you’re pregnant.” Gage stated succinctly.
Another arched eyebrow shot up.
“What I really mean is that you’re….. because you’re pregnant things are a little……” The desperate writer searched for the perfect words. “You’re a little more moody.” Lacy tilted her head in disbelief. “Hyper. No, no. Not that. Ahhh.” Scrunching her face, Gage asked. “Dicey?” The writer continued to dig her own grave with the inept words. “More sensitive. That’s it. More sensitive.” She concluded triumphantly.
“Is that your final answer?” The annoyed smile on the start’s face remained in place.
Dropping her shoulders in despair, Gage laid it out on the battlefield. “Lacy, both Mark and Nate said I should expect these kinds of moods now that you’re……” Seeing the growing irritated look on her lover’s face sprout, astutely Gage shut up before she threw the last bit of dirt on her grave, burying her six feet under forever.
“You’re getting advice from Mark and Nate…. of all people ….about how a pregnant woman acts?” Lacy’s tone of voice carried with it a looming dark cloud threatening to produce a torrential deluge right over the beaten blonde.
I’ll just keep quiet. Maybe it will all pass in a few moments.
“And just what did your friend and my dear brother say?” Lacy demanded.
Plan A didn’t work. And, here I am without a plan B. So the writer quickly made one up. But after all was said and done, Gage wished she’d stuck to plan A. “Nate said you’d feel a little insecure about getting bigger and feeling ugly….”
“Ugly?” Lacy crossed her arms.
“No…no, not ugly. You are not ugly… no way. You’re beautiful. He said you may feel that way being fat….” Gage tripped on her own tongue with that last word.
“Fat?” Lacy pushed away from her partner. “I’m only three months pregnant.”
“Now, Lacy. I didn’t mean it that way. I meant….later when you get huge…” Gage stumbled.
Gage didn’t catch the devious glint that flittered across Lacy’s blue eyes. I know that’s not what you meant, sweetheart. But, I am enjoying you squirm. “Just what did you mean?” Lacy’s voice cast a sharper tone than she intended.
“God, I don’t know what the …… what I mean.” Totally frustrated, Gage surrendered in complete defeat. “I am such an idiot.”
Sensing her partner’s deep hurt, Lacy titled Gage’s defeated head up. “Yes, but you’re my idiot.”
“I am?” Gage asked hopefully. “Lacy, I….”
Lacy pressed a single finger to Gage’s lips. “Shhhhh… I know. You don’t have to say another word.”
For the first time in the last few torturous moments, Gage finally smiled. “I love you.”
Gage’s words caused Lacy to smile. “Except those words. You have to say those all the time.” Pulling her lover closer, Lacy kissed the blonde conveying her love and understanding of what her partner was trying to do. Breathlessly breaking from the kiss, Lacy husked. “Sweetheart, I want you naked…. now.”
On fire, Gage reluctantly replied. “The door’s not locked and the kids… you know how they…”
Cutting her lover’s protest off, Lacy crushed determined lips against more than willing ones. “I….. don’t….. care.”
Gage ripped the clothes from her body as an appreciative Lacy looked on then the blonde hiked a leg up on the bed to step over her lover. In doing so, she slipped on the silky sheets falling across Lacy’s legs. Gage scrambled back up quickly so as not to hurt her lover but in doing so lost her balance and fell off the bed. Lacy laughed so hard at Gage’s antics she slipped off the bed into the waiting arms of her lover. Lying on top of the blonde, limbs tangled together fitting perfectly like an interlocking puzzle, Lacy teased. “I don’t know if I can get up.”
Smiling, Gage winked. “I don’t know if I want you too.” Gage stole a kiss from her lover. “But, it might be more comfortable on the bed.”
*************************
“Mmmmmm. God, you smell so….” Gage inhaled deeply again. “Delectable.”
Lacy lay in the blonde’s arms wearing nothing but a satisfied smile, nipping at her lover’s neck. “And, you taste good enough to eat.”
“Oh, no, not again.” Gage smiled in mock protestation.
Lacy slapped her partner’s firm thigh. “You are so bad.”
“Really. Well, if I’m so bad then why did you beg for more and more and more……” This time Lacy ran her hand up over Gage’s skin coming to rest between her legs, wiggling her fingers, which caused the still overexcited blonde to jump at the contact. “Hey.”
“Hey what?” Lacy purred.
“Hey….” Smiling, Gage requested. “Do that again.”
And Lacy did. “So, tell me just what kind of advice did my brother give you.”
The squirming woman below Lacy was having a hard time thinking of anything but what her lover was doing to her. “That you would….. might…. may get in a bad mood from time to time for no reason at all.”
“Moody?”
“Yes, moody. But, you haven’t been not really. Well, tonight and that doesn’t count.”
“Why is that?”
Gage kissed her lover. “That’s because tonight you wanted some and you don’t have to be pregnant for that.” The blonde ran her hand over Lacy’s firm backside sending shivers up the star’s spine. “He suggested a few things like… i
f you said you were fat, then I would say no pleasingly plump.”
Lacy shook her head.
“More for me to love?”
Again, Lacy shook her head.
“How bout I love you.”
Those were the magic words as Lacy finally nodded approval. “And what if I said I felt ugly?”
“Oh… then I would say…even on your worst day the closest you’d ever come to ugly was pretty…….” Gage smiled then whispered. “Beautiful.”
“Nice save. Sweetheart, I love both Mark and Nate but neither one of them have kids. What would they know about it?”
Gage shrugged. “About as much as I would, I guess.”
Lacy framed a perfect winning smile. “My point exactly.”
Gage pouted after trying so hard to understand and be there for her pregnant lover.
“You’re mad because I’m not in a bad mood?”
“No.” The pout remained intact.
“Well, I’ll try to be a little more moody.” Lacy teased.
“I would appreciate it.” A slow smile triumphantly broke through the determined pout. “I just wanted to do my part. You know, be sensitive and I was all prepared. I even shopped like crazy at the store getting everything I could think of just in case….”
“In case what?”
“You get one of those cravings. And don’t tell me that’s never happened to you. My God, Lacy, you’re not even acting like a normal pregnant woman. Except for morning sickness.” Gage clothed her face with a pout again. “If you did then you’d see how wonderful I can be and…” The blonde wanted her partner to feel the same way she did about Lacy. “I know how lucky I am having you. I just wanted….”
Running a finger along her lover’s lips, Lacy asked. “What did you get me?”
“Lots of things.” Gage tried to ignore Lacy’s tender touch. “Ice cream… all kinds, peanut butter…..creamy and with peanuts, pickles, pig’s knuckles…. basically anything weird or combination thereof.”
“So you wouldn’t have to get up in the middle of the night and go get it for me?”
“No!” Gage was adamant. “Because when you did….crave something, I wouldn’t have to be away from you for long. Just go to the kitchen and be right back here in bed with you… holding you… loving you….” Gage inhaled deeply again. “Smelling you and, of course, listening to your sexy voice.” The blonde waggled her eyebrows. “God, I love you, Lacy, so very, very much.”
Lacy kissed her lover gently. “I love you and…. I’m the lucky one.” Stroking her lover’s stomach, the dark haired woman whispered. “There is something I crave.”
“What?” Gage pushed up off the mattress ready to retrieve it.
Yanking her partner back down on the bed, Lacy crawled on top of her lover. “You.”
“Mmmmm. Now that I can deliver.” They shared a soul-scorching kiss that led them home.
Chapter Fourteen
After picking up Dani from school, Gage took the kids to visit Lacy on the set of her movie. This was the final week and since Lacy was home only long enough to eat something and drop into bed totally exhausted each night, an idea emerged.
Gage talked with Ryan who agreed to the blonde’s plan about having a picnic in Lacy’s trailer. The director would shoot around his star for a couple of hours so Lacy could be with her family.
“This is great, isn’t it?”
“It sure is.” Dani grabbed the last Suzy-Q. Seeing her protesting brother, she gave him the other half.
“Thank you.” He said perfectly.
Lacy kissed her son’s dark head. “That was perfect, Derek.” Proud of her son’s speech improvement, the dark haired woman turned to her partner. “Thank you.”
Gage winked. “I’m glad you’re enjoying this. And, we’ll have plenty more of these.”
“Yeah, but next time in a park. Jeez, don’t you know picnics are supposed to be outside?” Dani casually tossed out to anyone that would listen.
“Jeez, outside in a park. Yeah!” Derek now mimicked his older sister, placing a prominent frown on his face.
“All right already….” Shaking her blonde head. “Can’t please anyone, can I?”
Lacy placed her hand on her partner’s thigh. “You please me.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “Jeez.”
“Jeez.” Derek copied.
“Okay, you two. Scat.” Lacy commanded her children. “There’s some ice cream in the fridge…..Dani get some for you and your brother.”
Her obedient children happily complied leaving Lacy and Gage alone on the couch. “Alone at last.”
“And tired.” Lacy slumped down leaning against her lover. “And, I’ve got that movie premiere tonight.”
“Are you going to the party after?”
“Mmmm… I suppose I should. I don’t really want to.” Lacy lifted her head up to her lover. “What about you?”
“I’ll watch the kids.” Gage offered thinking this would give Lacy the incentive to make it a short night.
“Oh?” I guess you don’t want to go with me. “I don’t really want to go alone.” Lacy said weakly.
“Mark will take you. He’s going, too.” Gage hurriedly offered providing Lacy with a safe harbor at a party full of sharks. Koda will be there and that way, I’ll know you’ll be safe. Gage caressed her lover’s smooth cheek lovingly.
“If that’s what you want.” Deflated with her partner’s response, Lacy resigned herself to going with Mark.
It’s not what I want. I want you home with me but…. I am not going to embarrass you again.. not even take the chance. “Lacy, I want you to be happy.”
Sad blue eyes drifted down as Lacy snuggled closer to her partner. I am right here in your arms. “All right, I’ll ask Mark.”
“I already did.”
*************************
Julie Grant, head of Primrose Studios, greeted her guests after the successful premiere of her company’s latest venture. “Mark!” Julie embraced her old friend warmly. “What’s it been… five years?”
“Give or take a couple days.” Mark Calico winked. “Julie, I’d like you to meet Lacy Levine.”
The movie executive grasped the proffered hand. “You don’t have to tell me who she is…. I tried to steal her away from Ron several years ago.” Directing her next words to the star. “I have some projects that would be right down your alley. We’ll talk.” Giving Lacy a conspiratorial wink before turning back to her friend. “By the way, how’s that old bastard anyway?”
“Ron? I expected him here already.” Mark replied. “I think he was going to show up just in case your movie was a flop.”
“I hope he does then….. I’m going to rub my box office hit right in his face.” The two old friends fell easily into the light banter they had shared on many occasions. “What’s this I hear about you getting into the business? You know, I don’t need any more competition especially from my friends.”
Wanting to give them time to get reacquainted Lacy excused herself. “It was nice to meet you, Julie. Mark, pardon me a moment.” With that, Lacy headed for David whose jealous gray eyes riveted on his girlfriend as she talked with Koda Kannon.
Dismissing the annoying man next to him, David waved off-handedly. “Tony, I don’t have time now, okay?”
Tony Kussler yanked David by the arm. “We have a deal. Don’t forget it.”
Brushing the angry little man away, David retaliated. “Get your hand off me.” Immediately, Tony let go. “I said I’ll call you. Now, why don’t you go find some bush to hide behind.”
“This isn’t over, David. I will get my….” Seeing Lacy approached, Tony cut short his vow. “Later.”
“Nice company you’re keeping these days, David.” Lacy said.
“Oh, leave me alone.” David returned his angry gray eyes to Hayston openly flirting with Koda.
“I’m surprised to see her out so soon after…..” Lacy said.
Turning to his soon to be ex-wife, David qu
ipped. “I could say the same about you…..surprised to see you come out….”
With pursed lips, Lacy ignored him. “We’re going to my parents for Thanksgiving. With the kids there….Mom said you’re welcome to come.”
“How decent.” When Hayston leaned in brushing her lips against Koda’s ear as she whispered something, David seethed. “I’ll let you know.”
Lacy watched David’s usually cool façade, which he always kept in check, melt under the fuming angry steam emitting from the handsome executive. “Now, that’s interesting.” I don’t think he was ever jealous when it came to me.
************************
“Julie, you know my daughter, Kathy.” Ron Griffen proudly introduced his offspring. “She’s been working on my latest movie….”
“Hi.” Griff said.
“Nice to meet you.” Julie replied. “Following in your father’s footsteps, I see.”
“Yes. I am.” Griff said as she glanced quickly around the room looking for a certain absent blonde.
“Don’t try to snatch her up from me like you try to do with everyone else.” Ron interjected. “Besides, she’s set to work on Mark’s movie in New Orleans.” When Griff saw Lacy approached, she quickly made herself scarce. “Excuse me. I see Michael over there.”
The sarcastic smile rooted on Lacy’s face as the young redhead tucked her tail and ran was only noticed by Mark Calico. “I hope she didn’t leave because of me.”
“Oh, no. I think she’s quite taken with that young man Jessop.” Ron winked. “He’s got quite a future ahead of him.”
“Mmmmm.” Julie mused while looking at Michael Jessop who was joined by Ron’s daughter.
“Don’t get any ideas, Julie. I’ve got him locked into an iron clad contract.” Ron stated. Memo to myself…tomorrow have my lawyers draw up a contract for that young man.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” Stella Smith interrupted.
“What is it, Stella? The kids…. they’re all right?” A very concerned mother questioned.
“Yes, ma’am. Jessie finally went to sleep and her fever broke.” Stella informed her boss.