by VK Powell
“I’m in love with you.”
“But I—”
Grace placed her fingers over Dani’s lips. “Shush. I don’t expect anything from you.”
“Why did you tell me? Wouldn’t it have been easier to keep quiet?”
“Not for me. I wanted you to know how I feel and that you’ll always have a home here.” Grace placed their joined hands over her heart. “Never doubt my feelings. No matter where you are or who you’re with. What I feel is forever.”
“Grace…” Nothing else was possible, just the sound of Grace’s name rolling softly off her tongue like a prayer. Dani touched Grace’s face and slid her fingers slowly down the side of her neck, her body heating as Grace’s eyes fluttered shut. “You make me feel so…different. May I kiss you?”
Grace didn’t answer but closed her lips over Dani’s, licking, kissing, and slowly pressing. She couldn’t resist Grace’s invitation, didn’t want to. When Grace’s tongue claimed hers, Dani felt a surge of energy from her core break loose and spiral through her, melting and rearranging her insides to accommodate her feelings for Grace. They kissed until neither could breathe and then broke for air.
“Let me make love to you, Dani. Just once. Please.”
Grace’s plea reduced Dani to a bundle of needy flesh and nerves. “Are you sure?”
“Mostly, but that’s okay with me.”
Dani gasped at Grace’s willingness to step into the unknown so easily. She’d said the same thing the first time they made love, and her words still pulled Dani in, made her weak and empowered at the same time. She nodded.
Grace stood and slowly unzipped her sundress, letting it pool on the floor at her feet. She shimmied out of her bikinis and gradually peeled her lacy bra straps down her arms. Each movement, every tantalizing reveal, brought Dani to life with surges of desire. She stared into Grace’s eyes for several seconds before taking in her gorgeous face, full breasts, and the dip of her stomach. “You’re amazing, Grace. I need you so much.”
“Don’t you mean you want me? I’ve seen that look in your eyes before, Doc.”
Dani swallowed hard. “I’m scared to death I might mean more.” Her words registered. She needed Grace to touch her, but more importantly, to connect with her in a way she’d never allowed before. Grace stood very still in front of her, searching Dani’s face. “You okay, Grace?”
“What you said was beautiful.”
Dani flushed and reached to pull Grace closer, but she leaned back. “Please.”
Grace knelt between Dani’s legs and stripped off her shoes and jeans in a series of quick motions. Next, she opened Dani’s shirt, and her eyes sparked when she discovered she wasn’t wearing a bra. “I like you like this. Boxers and unbuttoned shirt, exposed, but not completely.” She grabbed Dani’s hips, urged her closer to the edge of the sofa, and ran her hands up Dani’s legs and under the hem of her shorts, gripping the taut flesh of her thighs.
“Oh, God, Grace.”
“Will you let me have you tonight, Dani? All of you?”
Grace’s throaty tone and quickened breaths made Dani feel like she was the most desirable woman in the world. Grace wanted…and needed her. “I’ll try.” Grace leaned forward and pressed against Dani, the soft weight of her breasts resting just under Dani’s.
“I want to touch you, to show you how much I care, and I need you to feel it.” Grace kissed her again deeply, bringing her words to life.
“Yes, Grace.”
She alternated feasting on Dani’s breasts while her thumbs and forefingers teased the juncture between her hips and thighs. “Is this okay?”
Dani nodded, unable to speak.
“Dani?” Grace rested her chin on Dani’s thigh, holding her gaze, waiting for a reply.
Dani hesitantly nodded again, desire and uncertainty occupying the same space.
As Grace moved to touch her lower, Dani involuntarily tensed and tried to close her legs. She’d never allowed anyone to caress her so intimately. She wasn’t sure she could now, and if she did, what to expect. She hadn’t trusted anyone enough to find out.
“Relax, Dani. I won’t hurt you. Ever.”
Grace caressed Dani’s abdomen and pelvis creeping lower, and with each pass Dani felt new sensations fire through her stoking an urgent, unquenchable thirst. The tension in her lower body slowly released. No became maybe, followed by probably, and finally yes. She ached for more direct contact. She squirmed against the sofa and forward into Grace.
“Do you want me to stop, Dani?”
Her eyes shot open. “What? No.” She stared into Grace’s hooded eyes, desperate for something more meaningful for the first time in her life. But she didn’t know how to ask for it, whatever it was.
“What do you want me to do?”
Dani encircled Grace’s wrist and guided her hand between her legs. “Touch me.”
Grace held eye contact as she slid Dani’s boxers off and came to rest again between her legs. “Thank you for this.” She leaned forward and breathed against Dani’s wet center. She fingered the patch of hair just above Dani’s clit, and she jerked. “Do you like that?”
“Not sure yet.”
Grace added more pressure, and a different kind of tension gathered inside Dani. “Ohh, that’s good. More.” She loved watching Grace touch her body, worship her like she was special. It was totally erotic like nothing she’d ever experienced.
Grace increased the pace, and Dani rose to meet her. “Yesss.” Dani flew apart and came back together every time her flesh disconnected and then rejoined Grace’s. The most exquisite pain coursed through her, coalesced around her heart, burrowed lower, and finally curled into a powerful ball in her core. When Grace slid her fingers inside and the warmth of her mouth closed over Dani’s center, she shattered into a million shards of pleasure. Only Grace could ever put her back together.
* * *
Grace woke as dawn cast light across the floor and onto the pile of blankets and pillows she and Dani had finally claimed as their bed. Dani. Beside her. Holding her. Looking calm, sated, and, dared she think, happy. Last night had been magical. Dani let her in emotionally, but was it too late? Had Dani surrendered because she was leaving today?
Whatever the reason, Grace could live with it. Her friends would think she was crazy for sleeping with Dani, but she’d experienced the real, true passion of Dani Wingate, unguarded and accessible. She’d seen Dani’s need and exposed her own. One night like that with the right person could last a lifetime. Was Dani that person? If not, Grace could let her go. She’d never imagined being able to love so completely without having that feeling reciprocated, but she’d had no choice but to love Dani that much. She snuggled into the crook of Dani’s arm and feathered kisses along her jawline.
“Mmm. Grace?”
“Right on the first guess.”
“Couldn’t be anyone else.” Dani pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.
Grace slid a leg across Dani’s thigh and felt desire building as Dani surged into her. “See what you do to me? I need you again.”
Dani’s expression shifted, questioning and wanting. “Grace—”
“Don’t say it. We both know what happens when you walk out that door this morning.”
“And what if I don’t…walk out?”
Grace stroked the side of Dani’s face, enjoying the flush of heat under her fingers and the rapid pulse at Dani’s throat. “You’d be giving up your dream. I can’t be responsible for that.”
Dani rolled on top of her. “And what if my dreams have changed?”
“Then you have to decide what’s next.” Dani had to come to her willingly and totally. Grace’s love alone wouldn’t be enough to sustain their forever. Dani searched Grace’s face and started to say something but stopped. “What, Dani?”
“Nothing.” She nipped Grace’s neck. “So, how about one more time for the road?”
Grace answered her with a deep kiss but pulled back when the air around them turned
steamy. “I’d prefer to leave us both wanting more.” She pushed Dani off and crawled out of the covers. “Time to face the world again, Doc.”
Behind her, Dani groaned. “I’d call that cruel and unusual treatment verging on torture, Deputy Booker.”
Grace tossed a pillow at her head. “You haven’t seen my cruel side yet. I’m going to take a quick shower and make you breakfast.”
“What if I join you?”
Grace held up her hand. “We’d be naked all day, and you’d be no closer to Baltimore.”
Grace forced herself to leave Dani nude and willing on her living room floor and retreated to the bathroom. If she could hold it together another hour, she’d be in the clear. She couldn’t send Dani off feeling like she’d done something wrong or like Grace would fall apart without her. Dani deserved the opportunity to find her own brand of happiness. She tugged on a T-shirt and jeans and rejoined Dani in the living area.
Dani was sitting up, wrapped in a blanket, bathed in light from the window. She was the most handsome woman Grace had ever seen—pale skin still flushed from their lovemaking, dark hair and eyes, and a thoughtful crease etched across her forehead. Grace watched her take several long breaths, enjoying the feeling that Dani finally looked content. “Okay, you, time to get dressed. You’ve got a long drive, and I want you to have plenty of time for rest stops.”
While Dani showered, Grace prepared an omelet with ham, cheese, and spinach, and they ate quietly and exchanged looks Grace couldn’t quite name. She’d given everything, offered her heart, and now the choice was Dani’s. Grace sighed as she put the dishes in the sink. The choice had always been Dani’s. Grace had been in love with her since she gave Beetle Bledsoe money in front of the diner. The small things had slowly won her heart without the need for grand gestures. She couldn’t help wondering how Dani felt as they walked toward the door.
Dani reached for the handle but turned back to Grace and pulled her close. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Grace. You’ve done things to me I don’t understand.”
“It’s called good sex.” Grace tried to keep it light so she wouldn’t break down.
“No, it’s more than that.”
She waited for Dani to explain, but when she didn’t, Grace kissed her one final, breath-stopping time and opened the door. “Next time you’re passing through Georgia, remember we have a great little B and B in Pine Cone.”
“You certainly do.” She started out but paused again. “By the way, did you notice that Harry spoke to you civilly the other night…the night you grilled on the deck? When you passed through the sunroom, he wasn’t freaked out.”
“Not really. I might’ve been a little distracted. If that’s true, I wonder why the change?”
Dani shrugged. “Maybe he just doesn’t like cops, like me.” She winked, looked toward the main house, and stopped. “Oh, shit.”
Grace followed her gaze to the back deck where Mary Jane, Clay, and Trip sat drinking coffee and staring toward the cottage. “Your bon voyage committee, I’m guessing.” She took Dani’s hand and walked to join the others.
“Good morning, everybody,” Grace said.
“You sure about that?” Trip asked.
“Absolutely.” Grace squeezed Dani’s hand and gave Trip a hard stare, daring her to do anything to upset the smooth send-off she’d planned for Dani.
“Okay, then.” Trip stood and offered Dani her hand. “It’s been a pleasure. You’re an awesome vet.” She handed Dani an envelope. “Here’s a damn fine reference. If you need anything else, let me know.”
Dani looked stunned for a second before she shook Trip’s hand and accepted the gift. “Thanks for this, and for giving me a job when I was desperate. I’ve learned a lot from you.”
Clay placed a hand on Dani’s shoulder. “We’ll miss you, dude. Guess the townsfolk will have to find something else to gossip about now.”
Dani laughed and shoulder bumped Clay. “I’m sure you and Trip will keep them busy, especially now that you have River and Trip has Jamie. And I’m glad you got back to your art. I’ve seen some of your stuff in the gallery. You’re good.” Grace, Clay, and Trip all stared at her. “Yes, I’ve been to the gallery. I’m not a complete heathen.”
“Who knew you had a sensitive side, Wingate?” Trip asked.
“I did,” Grace said, giving Dani a scorching look.
Mary Jane moved closer. “Well, I’ve packed a few sandwiches and snacks for the road. There’s a disposable cooler by your car with drinks.” She gave Dani a big hug. “It’s been a joy to have you here, honey, a real joy. Come back any time.”
“You have no idea how much I’ve enjoyed being here. You’ve all taught me a lot.” Dani hugged Mary Jane and clung to her as if she couldn’t bear to let go, and Grace choked down a sob. Just a few more minutes. “I’ll never forget you.”
Grace followed Dani to her car and gave her a quick hug, but Dani caught her arm as she pulled back and kissed her, first lightly, and then more urgently. The thin tether holding Grace’s emotions in check started to fray. She poured everything she felt into their kiss before pushing away, breathless. “I…love you, Dani.”
“Grace, I’m in—”
“Be safe.” Whatever Dani was about to say, Grace couldn’t hear it and then watch her leave. She kept waving until Dani’s car disappeared around the final curve at the town limit sign before turning back to the cottage. Her friends started toward her, but she shook her head and kept walking. Once inside, she closed the door behind her, and collapsed on the tangle of blankets and pillows that smelled of Dani.
Chapter Twenty
When Grace awoke, it was dark outside and she was still wrapped in the blankets she and Dani made love on. Her wet pillow stuck against the side of her face, her tongue was dry from mouth breathing, and she could barely see out of her swollen eyes. The sound of tires on gravel she’d prayed for between bouts of crying never came. Dani was really gone. She flung the covers off and walked out the door, unable to bear the sight or smell of their love nest another second.
The crisp night air stung her skin, confirming that her pain was real. She tugged her T-shirt tighter around her. The moon was nearly full and lit the path to the B and B. She stood on the deck and gazed at the stars. Where was Dani on her journey? Did she drive straight through or stop for a rest? Did she think of Grace on the trip, consider coming back?
She opened the back door slowly, careful of the squeaking hinge on the screen that alerted Mary Jane to visitors. Harry flapped his wings when she entered. “Shush.” She gulped a glass of water at the kitchen sink then snagged an orange and returned to the sunroom, curling into the wicker chair beside Harry’s cage. “Want to talk?” She was losing it. Talking to a parrot.
“Orange.” Harry’s squawk sounded more like a request.
Grace peeled the fruit, tore off a small chunk, and eased it under the cover of Harry’s cage. If he saw her, he might go ballistic, and wake Mary Jane. “Here you go, boy.” Harry nibbled the segment gently from her fingers, and Grace almost burst into tears. “Now I know how you felt when Karla left. Throwing myself against the walls and picking myself bald doesn’t sound so bad right now.” She slid another piece of orange through the cage.
Dani had spent a lot of time with Harry and cleared him medically. Surely, Grace could figure out why he didn’t like her. He’d been nice after Dani’s bombshell, but she had no idea why. Had he somehow sensed her despair? “You and I are going to be friends, Harry.” She gave him the last segment of orange and headed toward the door.
“Bye, Grace,” Harry said as she eased the screen door closed.
The following week, when she wasn’t distracted with work, she buried herself in library books and online articles about African grays. She wasn’t particularly an animal person, but she was responsible for Harry since Karla abandoned him, and she’d try to make him happy. He deserved a peaceful life and affection like every other creature.
She pulled a spiral not
ebook from her bookshelf and scribbled Harry across the front. Opening to the first page, she filled in her efforts so far.
Day one—Dani left. Harry spoke to me civilly for the first time. Unsure why. Peeled and ate orange with him pre-dawn. Cage covered. No adverse reaction. Said good-bye to me when I left.
Day two—Talked to Harry quietly while changing his food and water. Cage covered. No adverse reaction.
Days three-six—Sat outside his cage late at night and told him how Dani cared for him when he was sick. Reassured him that he’d always be part of our family. Fed him orange slices. Teaching him a few new phrases. Still haven’t let him see me.
Days seven-ten—More of the above.
Day twelve—Took cover off Harry’s cage while changing his food and water this morning before work. He went crazy again, but when I put the cover back on and spoke, he calmed down. Remembered something Dani said before she left. Have an idea. Test tomorrow.
The next morning, Grace bounded across the backyard to the B and B. The sun was brilliant and the sky blue with promise. She’d showered and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt to test her theory. “MJ?”
Mary Jane placed the last platter on the buffet table and turned toward her. “What’s up?”
“Today is the day I figure out why Dirty Harry hates me and I need a witness.” She reached for the cover of his cage and eased it off, holding her breath as he turned and stared in her direction.
Harry bounced up and down. “Hello, Grace. Good morning. Pretty day.”
He actually seemed happy to see her, no loud, disturbing response. She cautiously opened the cage door and reached in, offering her finger as a perch. Harry hopped on, and she pulled him out slowly. He was still calm, so she lifted her finger to her shoulder and he stepped over. “Look at that, MJ.”
Harry pecked gently at her hair and nibbled the rim of her ear. He’d only ever done that to Karla before.