Coyote Sky

by Gerri Hill

  She closed her eyes now and grabbed the railing for support. Despite everything, she still wanted Lee.

  “Darling, are you okay?”

  Kate nodded. “Yes.” She let go of the railing and stood up straight, forcing a smile to her face. “Ready.”

  Small groups of women were milling about, most of them discussing Starlight’s paintings. And most of them were strangers. Kate nudged Brenda.

  “Do you see anyone you know?”

  “No, darling. These women must have driven up from Santa Fe,” she said quietly.

  “But aren’t these paintings going to be at the gallery next week?”

  “Something neither of us knew, but apparently Starlight is quite the big name in the art world. I’m sure these people drove up so they could be the first to see her work.” Then Brenda laughed. “Of course, they weren’t at the last dinner party. We were actually the first to see them.”

  “Will she be here?”

  “Doubtful. She rarely makes an appearance at these things, Harmony tells me. That’s one allure to her paintings. Not very many people know what she looks like, who she is. It’s all so mysterious.”

  “Come in, come in,” Sunshine called to them. “I had no idea Harmony had invited so many from Santa Fe,” she said quietly when she walked over. “I thought it would just be us locals getting a peek.”

  “How many pieces does she have?” Brenda asked.

  “Eleven.”

  “Oh, my. She’s been busy.”

  “Her energy flows, Simone,” she said with arms spread. “I’m sure it’s her meditation. I think it will do wonders for you.” Then she looked at Kate. “Have you tried it?”

  Kate shook her head, but did manage a smile. “I’m not really into . . . chanting and all that.” Before the words had barely left her mouth, Sunshine snatched up both her hands and squeezed them. “You must be doing something. Your negative energy is nearly gone.” Then she leaned closer, her whispered words for Kate’s ears only. “It will be gone by morning for sure. Do not turn away the face of love.”

  As Kate’s eyes widened, Sunshine placed a stone in her palm and closed Kate’s fingers around it.

  “The stone of Aphrodite.”

  Kate opened her palm, staring at the green stone. Was it another jade? No, it was too bright, too—oh my God. “An emerald?”

  “The stone of love. Keep it close,” Sunshine whispered.

  “Sunshine, I can’t accept this.” She raised her eyebrows. “Unless . . . is it fake?”

  Sunshine gasped and touched her chest. “No, it is not fake. It has great powers. You cannot fool the mind and body with simple placebos.”

  Kate shook her head, intending to return it, but Sunshine had closed her fist again.

  “It is extremely bad manners to refuse a gift of a healing stone. The emerald has no value to me as jewelry.”

  Kate looked at Brenda, who just shrugged. Kate sighed and nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

  “Do not forget the meaning.” Kate shook her head. “I won’t.”

  Sunshine glided away and Kate held the stone out to Brenda. “It would be funny if they weren’t so damn serious about it all.”

  “Oh, this is lovely, darling.” Then Brenda grinned. “You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot when they place a diamond in your palm.”

  *

  As soon as Lee opened the door, her eyes collided with Kate’s. She saw a multitude of emotions cross her face in only a matter of seconds. Surprise at seeing Lee there, perhaps. Then her eyes softened in a smile and Lee felt her heart catch a bit. Then those eyes slid from Lee and Lee felt Trudy move beside her. When Kate’s eyes met hers again, gone was the pleasure that had been there. It was replaced with a look of distaste, of anger, but not before Lee caught a glimpse of hurt—even sadness—in Kate’s eyes.

  Lee turned to Trudy. “Give me just a second. I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time. I spied a bottle of champagne. I’ll be over there.”

  Lee walked away without commenting, her eyes focused on Kate.

  “Why Lee, darling, we didn’t expect you,” Brenda said.

  “Harmony insisted.”

  Brenda’s glance alternated between the two women, then she politely excused herself.

  “I think I’ll . . . mingle,” she said. “How are you?” Lee asked quietly.

  “Wonderful. You?”

  Lee nodded. “Fine.”

  “Trudy, is it? It must be serious. She’s the first woman I’ve seen you date more than once.”

  Lee smiled. “You know it’s not serious, Kate. In fact, you know me, never serious about a woman.” Then she shrugged. “But I needed a date and Trudy was willing.”

  “Why did you need a date?”

  Their eyes met, held. Lee swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “I needed a date for all the wrong reasons,” she admitted.

  “I don’t understand.”

  Lee finally pulled her eyes away. “It’s all rather silly and childish, if I actually allow myself to think about it.” She shrugged. “You don’t want me. So I guess I wanted to find someone who did.”

  “So, it’s an ego thing, huh?” Kate took a step away. “I didn’t realize you were so shallow, Lee. Of course, I guess I always realized that you couldn’t go a single day without the company of a young woman.”

  Kate turned to go, but Lee grabbed her arm, stopping her.

  “That’s not true, Kate. You choose to believe something just because of your preconceived notions about me. Which, I admit, in the past were mostly true.” She shook her head. “I haven’t been with anyone all summer. I haven’t been with anyone since . . . since around my birthday.” She met Kate’s eyes. “Since I met you,” she said quietly.

  Kate pulled out of Lee’s grasp. “First of all, you can’t seriously expect me to believe that. I’ve seen you with numerous women over the summer. And secondly, it has absolutely nothing to do with me and I shouldn’t even care because—”

  “Because you’re involved with someone,” Lee finished for her sarcastically. “But I know that you do care, Kate. You care because there’s something between us. You care because you want me too. And you can’t stand the thought of me with someone else.”

  Kate squared her shoulders, her eyes glaring as she looked at Lee. “In your dreams, Sheriff.”

  Kate turned on her heels, leaving Lee to stare after her. “Wonderful,” Lee murmured quietly. “You sure have a way with her.”

  “Give me the keys,” Kate whispered to Brenda.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Kate shook her head. “I just need to get out of here.”

  “Are you ill?”

  “Of course I’m not ill! I just want . . . need to be alone.”

  “Okay, darling. What’s Lee done this time?”

  “Why do you always assume it’s Lee?” Kate demanded.

  Brenda handed her the keys. “Because Lee’s the only one who can get you this upset.”

  Kate lowered her head. “I just need some time. Some alone time,” she said quietly.

  “I understand. I’ll have someone run me home later, darling.”

  Lee sighed as Sunshine walked over to her. She wasn’t in the mood for Sunshine.

  “What words of wisdom do you have for me tonight, Sunny? Surely the Fates have told you something?”

  Sunshine smiled. “You are angry, hurt, upset. So you use sarcasm. It’s a good defense, Ariel, but it won’t work.”

  Lee spread her arms out. “So enlighten me.”

  Sunshine’s eyes turned serious. “Your journey nears its end, Ariel.” She took one of Lee’s hands and placed a stone there. “It’s a jade. Its twin lies with her.”

  “Her?”

  Sunshine shook her head. “Don’t pretend you don’t know of whom I speak.”

  “Kate?”

  Sunshine nodded. “Go to her tonight. It’s time.”

  Lee shook her head. “I can’t go to her. She’s involved with someone.
She’s got a girlfriend and she’s made it perfectly clear that she doesn’t want me.” Lee shrugged. “Besides, I’ve got a date.”

  “I have only two things for you Ariel. First, you don’t really have a date, do you? You’ve not been intimate with anyone all summer. In fact, you’ve not touched another woman all summer, except for that brief moment with Kate up on the cliffs.”

  Lee’s eyes widened. “How . . . how do you know about that night?”

  Sunshine smiled. “And two, Kate is involved with someone in name only. And though she won’t admit it, Ariel, her heart is not in Dallas. Her heart lies with you.” Sunshine squeezed her hand around the jade. “Go to her, Ariel. I shall make sure your friend there gets back to the lodge.”

  Over the years, Lee had learned not to take Sunshine’s words lightly. Although, when the words were directed at her, she did little more than humor Sunshine. But for some reason, her words tonight were different. It was almost like she was commanding her to go to Kate. And despite the reservations in her head, she couldn’t deny what was in her heart.

  Go to Kate.

  So she did.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Kate lay under the covers, her eyes wide open, Lee’s words still echoing around in her brain.

  “You want me too. And you can’t stand the thought of me with someone else.”

  Surprisingly, it was true. Kate didn’t want it to be true, but once Lee had said it out loud, Kate could hardly run from it. Yes, it bothered her that Lee dated. Yes, she was jealous of each and every one of them. Yes, there was something between them. And yes, she wanted her.

  But still, Lee was Lee. She was a magnet for women and Kate was just one more. Her parade of dates was one thing, but even Harmony and Sunshine weren’t immune. Kate had seen the looks, the stares. Hell, even Brenda wasn’t immune. So to say there was something between them meant really nothing. The same could be said for countless other women who couldn’t deny their attraction to Lee.

  And again, Kate was just one more. Because she too could not deny her attraction to Lee. She could hardly stand to be in the same room with her without wanting her. That was one reason she hadn’t been going to the dinner parties. She didn’t want to see Lee with a date and she simply didn’t want to see Lee.

  She heard the car door slam and turned her head toward the opened window, wishing Brenda had given her more time. Not that she expected Brenda to barge into her room. She just wanted to be alone with her thoughts, her feelings.

  She heard the side patio door open. That was odd. She leaned up on her elbows, listening. There was movement in the living room, movement in the hall. She saw a shadow in the dim light under her door, where it paused.

  Oddly, she wasn’t afraid.

  The door opened slowly, the light in the hallway making a perfect silhouette. Her breath caught.

  Lee pushed the bedroom door open, pausing only for a moment before walking inside. In the shadows, she saw Kate.

  Without thinking, she unbuttoned her shirt, ripping the last few buttons in her haste to remove it. She tossed it on the floor, then reached for her jeans, sliding them down her thighs as she stood at Kate’s bed.

  “Lee?”

  “There’s nothing to talk about, Kate.”

  Kate stared, still leaning on her elbows. Her heart was pounding so loudly, she couldn’t think, couldn’t even speak as Lee stood there . . . naked . . . beside her bed. Without thought, she moved the covers aside, welcoming Lee.

  “Lee?”

  “No. No words, Kate,” Lee whispered.

  In one quick motion, she pulled the T-shirt off Kate and tossed it on the floor beside her jeans. Then, before Kate could object, her hands slid to Kate’s waist, removing the last barrier between them.

  Kate knew she should protest, she knew she should. But instead, her hands sought Lee, moving up her arms, pulling Lee into her bed. Their kisses were soft and slow—deliciously slow . . . but only for a moment. Then their passion ignited. Kate moaned, her mouth opening, her tongue battling Lee’s. Without thought, she spread her legs, her hands on Lee’s hips pulling her close.

  Lee was too rapturous to think clearly . . . or coherently. All she knew was that Kate’s hands were on her body, touching her, guiding her. She settled between Kate’s thighs, her hips molding to Kate. She groaned as they touched, but wasn’t certain if it was her or Kate she heard. She pulled back, trying to read Kate’s eyes in the darkness.

  “Kate?”

  “I want you,” Kate whispered. She didn’t care about all the others, she didn’t care about Robin, she didn’t even care if it would just be this one time that they were together. She wanted her, needed her.

  Kate could have no idea what those words did to her but Lee’s heart nearly melted. She dipped her head, her mouth going to Kate’s breasts, her tongue finding a nipple hard, erect. Her lips closed around it and she moaned when Kate’s hands moved through her hair, holding her close.

  “Oh, Lee,” Kate murmured, her hips moving, trying desperately to touch Lee. She spread her legs farther, her hips undulating against Lee. “Please touch me.”

  The softly spoken words drifted to Lee’s ears. She left Kate’s breast, her mouth finding Kate’s lips again. Her hand slid along Kate’s body, pausing slightly at the soft curve of her hip.

  “Yes,” Kate whispered against Lee’s lips.

  Amazing what that whispered word did to Lee. Just like that night up on the cliffs, her heart tumbled inside her chest. She lifted up slightly, her hand finishing its journey as it slipped between Kate’s thighs.

  “Lee,” she breathed, her arms pulling Lee closer, her mouth opening, taking Lee’s tongue inside as her hips arched to meet Lee’s hand. Her eyes slammed shut as Lee’s fingers moved inside her.

  “Kate, please, I just want to make love to you,” Lee murmured. She dipped her head, again finding Kate’s breast. But she paused there only briefly, her desire driving her lower. She pulled her fingers from Kate’s wetness, her hands gripping Kate’s hips as she pulled her close. “Please, Kate,” she murmured again. The scent of Kate drifted around her and she was hungry to taste her.

  Kate’s head burrowed into the pillow, her hands guiding Lee, urging her between her legs. She felt Lee’s breath on her damp thighs, felt Lee’s hands spread her legs. She moaned, her hips bucking as Lee’s mouth, her tongue, settled over her throbbing clit.

  Oh God. It had been so long, Lee had almost forgotten the sensation, forgotten how it felt to make love to a woman this way. She had been so careful, so cautious over the years. But tonight, she didn’t think about using protection, she didn’t think about anything except having her mouth on Kate.

  Kate’s fists clutched the sheets, her mouth open as she struggled for breath. Lee’s hands cupped her hips, holding her close as her tongue moved through her wetness. Kate gasped when Lee’s tongue slid inside her, then whimpered as Lee pulled away, only to go back again, this time covering her, her lips sucking gently, then harder, pulling Kate into her mouth. Kate had no time to prepare, no time to try to stifle her scream. Her hips arched once as her orgasm claimed her and she held on, pressing Lee’s mouth hard against her until her spasms subsided.

  Oh God, oh God, oh God.

  Her hands fell limply from Lee’s head, her eyes still squeezed shut, her chest still heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

  Lee too, lay with her eyes closed, her face resting on Kate’s wet thighs. She finally released her grip on Kate’s hips, but then felt Kate’s fingers entwine with her own.

  “Lee?”

  Lee was too afraid to look up, too afraid of what she might find in Kate’s eyes. She rolled her head, still nestled at Kate’s thighs.

  “Lee, please,” Kate whispered, her hand moving to brush at

  Lee’s hair.

  Lee shook her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here like this. I shouldn’t have . . . ambushed you like I did.”

  “Shhh.” Kate tugged on her hand. “Come
here.”

  Lee looked up, letting herself be pulled to Kate. She met her eyes, but the shadows hid them. “Kate, I don’t know what to say,” Lee whispered so quietly, Kate barely heard the words. “I just needed you so much. I . . . I . . .” Lee buried her head against Kate, surprised—shocked—at the tears that were threatening. She shook her head, not knowing how to explain.

  “Shhh,” Kate murmured. She gathered Lee to her, gently kissing her forehead. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” she whispered. “I wanted you, Lee. I needed you too.” She couldn’t understand Lee’s tears, couldn’t even begin to until she felt Lee’s hand caress her breast, felt Lee’s lips brush her neck gently. She squeezed her eyes shut, her heart nearly exploding as Sunshine’s words came back to haunt her.

  Do not turn away the face of love.

  And then she understood. Lee was crying because she’d just made love to Kate. It wasn’t sex with a stranger. Lee made love to her. And Kate trembled as she realized she wanted . . . needed to do the same.

  “Lee,” she whispered. She forced Lee’s head up, her fingers gently wiping at her damp cheeks. She leaned closer, her lips moving across her face, finding her mouth, softly kissing her. “I’m going to make love to you, Lee,” she murmured against her lips. “I’m going to make love to you.”

  Tremors physically shook Lee’s body. She felt them, she knew Kate could feel them too. But she couldn’t stop her trembling as Kate pushed her down, as Kate’s body covered hers, as Kate’s mouth found her small breast.

  Kate moaned as her tongue swirled around Lee’s nipple, feeling it harden even more before her lips closed around it. Her hand found Lee’s other breast, and she caressed it gently before moving her mouth there.

  Oh, Kate. Lee’s eyes closed as she savored the feel of Kate’s hot mouth on her. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had made love to her. College, maybe? No. Even then, it was just sex. Just an act. But God, Kate’s hands were soft upon her skin, her mouth gentle at her breasts. Her breath caught as Kate spread her legs, her knees urging Lee’s thighs apart.