St. Helena Vineyard Series: Sneaking Up on Love (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Stephanie St. Klaire

  “Can you believe this woman?” Lexi asked as she was dropping off the day’s pastries.

  “Oh, I can believe it!” Molly retorted, “Watch this!”

  Molly clicked on the comments section of the Facebook post with her tongue out to one side as if it helped her think while her fingers went to work typing. A mischievous grin crossed her face before she turned the iPad to Lexi, proud of her rebuttal.

  ‘It was a helluva night! Thanks for capturing the memory!’

  “Oh my God! I can’t believe you wrote that!” Lexi said between fits of laughter. “Go you!”

  “Well…if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! That ought to give her something to stew over, especially that smiley face I added at the end!” With a shrug and dismissive eye roll, she laughed with her friend through a high five before Lexi finally made her way out the door.

  Molly one, Nora Kinkaid zero!

  CHAPTER 5

  It was another crisp fall night sitting outside of Nora Kinkaid’s house just out of view, waiting. Seth had packed yet another round of ‘snacks’ which was really another delicious well planned meal. With all of the planning that clearly went into their evenings and how prepared he was for their outings, it was beginning to feel much more like dates rather than sleuthing. Molly wasn’t bothered by that at all. In fact, it pleased her that he would go to such trouble.

  Over their meal, they wasted the time by discussing their lives, small talk that included just about everything. They were getting to know each other more and more, each enjoying their time. Each focusing on the other more and more.

  Lights in the front of Nora’s house switched on, followed by the porch light, and then garage door going up just as they had finished off the Stromboli Seth had picked up from Sweet and Savory. They knew the pattern well by now and quickly put everything back in the cooler, tucking it away in the back because they knew what was next. Time to follow that old bag Nora!

  They ducked their head, as they had before, avoiding the headlights that crossed their space as she turned in the same direction toward town as she had before. Tonight, it seemed, would be just like the others, only this time, they would catch her…they hoped. If Seth didn’t know better, there was a slight hesitation as Nora’s headlights passed over them, as if she had noticed them, and he feared they were caught, but the lights continued to pass as the sound of the car drifted off in the distance.

  He pulled out on to the main road, following Nora’s distant tail-lights. She had a slight lead and he was careful not to get too eager, keeping a safe unrecognizable distance. They were stopped at a red light which allowed her to gain a greater lead, her tail lights dimming in the distance. He was tempted to run the light since there wasn’t an ounce of traffic - it was a small town and everyone was in early. The light turned green, and relief washed over him when he saw Sherriff Jonah on the other side of the small intersection, parked in a lot just out of site. Crisis averted.

  Nora turned right entering one of the parking lots belonging to one of the various shops or restaurants that sat on Main Street in the heart of town…but which one. She had such a good lead, it would be hard to find her quickly, but they were determined and slowly crawled through town avoiding a scene, searching the area in question. Nearing the end of the strip, their hope was fading as they suspected that perhaps she saw them and put the shake on them, until they crossed Stan’s Soup and Service. Low and behold, there sat what appeared to be her car sans the old woman.

  Seth slowly pulled into the lot, staying a safe distance from her car, scanning the area for any trace of her. It was apparent that she had already made it in to wherever she was heading because there wasn’t a sign of her anywhere. Watching for activity within Stan’s, they were left stumped; the lights were all off and Stan had long since closed, so why was Nora parked here?

  There were a handful of other empty vehicles, but they could be vehicles waiting to be serviced by Stan – the other half of Stan’s Soup and Service – or patrons of surrounding businesses.

  “Do you think she’s in there?” Molly whispered.

  “It could be a cover; she could be anywhere at this point.” Seth reasoned.

  “What is around here? What could she possibly want to hide between Stan’s, the flower shop, and a handful of restaurants?

  “There isn’t anything scandalous enough in St. Helena to sneak around late at night and hide your car from.” He said with confidence as a life-long resident.

  “The only place with lights on is Sara’s place – Barre and Tap, the dance studio.” She pointed out.

  “What would Nora be doing there?”

  A mischievous smile took over her expression while a slight giggle erupted, “The only late class over there is the pole dancing class.”

  Seth returned the grin and raised his eyebrows, suspicious of how she came across such knowledge.

  “No, Seth, I don’t take the class! I know what you’re thinking, stop.” She reached over and smacked his shoulder for his dirty thoughts before finishing her thought, “I remember Sara mentioning how surprised she was by the turn out…”

  His grin only grew bigger.

  “It’s an exercise class more than anything.Get your mind out of the gutter over there. It’s a great core workout.” She finished before catching the confidence in her tone that sounded much like experience, “Or so I’m told, Seth…I wouldn’t know!”

  “I’m sure it a great work out, just as soon as they get home to their husbands and show them everything they learned.”

  She gave him a stern look and an eye roll to show distaste in his wise crack but it only ended in a laugh of her own.

  “Should we head over? See if she’s…in there?” He asked, an ounce of disgust crossing through his words at the realization that they very well could find crotchety old lady, Nora Kinkaid, scantily dressed and hanging from a pole.

  They left the SUV and wandered stealthily across the way like nosey ninja’s of the night. The thin shades had been pulled on the windows, allowing only a few shadows through, nothing proving it was Nora. Seth tried the door and found it open so they snuck in, quickly grabbing the bell above the door as it started to ring.

  The space was bare. It was some sort of waiting room with long windows along one side to see in the studio, although the blinds were pulled. They wandered deeper into the dance studio where they began to hear muffled sounds, maybe voices. They followed a long hall that was flanked with bathrooms on one side and an office on the other and would end in another smaller studio, where the pole dancing class was held.

  The further they lurched, the louder the noise that started to become obvious voices mixed with what sounded like muffled moans or growls…perhaps they had stumbled upon a scuffle of sorts. The clandestine mood that was hovering all night became one of fear as a loud thud against the wall was met with more sounds of muffled grunts or moans and concern that something sinister was going on.

  Seth carefully tucked Molly behind him keeping a protective arm around her that left her with butterflies she would have to sort out later – she loved the feel of him and his protectiveness sent a warm surge to her core. Another loud whimper and moan filled the space and the sound of glass breaking had Seth rushing the space.

  Jaws dropped, eyes wide, something sinister was going on alright, and Nora Kinkaid was nowhere to be found. Loud gasps exchanged and bodies shifted. There was some kind of pole dancing underway but not of the floor to ceiling cold metal kind. No, they stumbled upon the hot, steamy, and in this case semi-naked against the wall kind. The ‘pole’ belonged to Clay Walker, the town pediatrician, and his dancer he held against the wall was Heather Reed, the dance studio owner’s sister in law and fellow dance teacher. That explained the loud bang…against the wall.

  Molly’s eyes shot open in surprise before turning her glance sharply up, words eluded her other than, “Oh my!”

  Seth quickly turned his back to the couple, granting Heather privacy so Clay could help her
off of the …wall.

  “Sorry,” Seth said in a near stutter, “uh, didn’t expect to find you here.”

  “Is there anything I can, uh, help you…with?” Heather said with a cringe realizing how that sounded given what they just walked in on and that she was standing half naked behind Clay.

  A nervous laugh escaped the good doctor, “Sorry, you seem to have caught us in a…compromising state.”

  “Uh, yeah the lights were on, and uh…we were worried.” Seth replied squeezing his eyelids together, trying to find the words to explain their way out of why they were there.

  Molly jumped in trying to save Seth with his few words all while staring at the ceiling, afraid to look down, “Yeah, we thought maybe something was – wrong! Maybe something was wrong because it’s so late and all.”

  Pleased with her answer she gave a smile, shock rolling over her as she caught herself looking back at the partially clothed couple and their disheveled look. She stiffened and quickly returned her stare to the ceiling.

  “Nope, no...problem here.” Clay said with a sheepish grin and awkward chuckle again.

  Seth quickly reached around Molly gently turning her around so she could relax her neck and exit without any more embarrassment, and they said their goodbye, “We’ll be on our way then, sorry for the…interruption. We’ll lock the door on the way out!”

  Not a word was said while Seth and Molly found their way back out of the dance studio, locking it behind them. They hustled back across the street to Seth’s parked SUV, noticing Nora’s car was still parked. It wasn’t until they got in the car that a side pinching laughter erupted from both of them.

  “Well, that was awkward!” Seth belted out between laughs.

  “I am so embarrassed! I’m not going to be able to look at her the same at book club. I’ve seen her… Well, you know!” Molly fitted while tears welled from the humor in what just happened.

  The laughter finally dulled to a few intermittent chuckles as the thought of what just happened crossed their minds at random, and they were back to focusing on the task at hand. Nora Kinkaid. Operation ‘old bitty goes down’ was back underway.

  “So…sit here and wait for Nora?” Molly questioned, not sure what the plan was supposed to be should they lose her trail.

  “Sounds like a plan, you hungry?” He said with a smile, reaching for the cooler that was becoming a ‘thing,’ earning him a grin from his lady passenger.

  They sat and ate, watching for any signs of public enemy number one, Nora. Molly was amused by Seth’s reference to ‘snack’ because it was much more than that; it was yet another impressive well-planned and thoughtful meal. Lexi was clearly helping him with his ‘snack’ preparation as it was all of Molly’s favorites from her Bistro, Sweet and Savory.

  Meal consumed, stomachs full, the night was getting long. Both seemed to be lost in thought as they each enjoyed their meal, watching for their target. A shiver from the cool autumn night coursed through Molly with a violent shake.

  “Are you cold?”

  “I’m getting there, rotten night to forget my jacket!” she delivered with a chuckle, embarrassed that her body betrayed her by giving away that shiver.

  Seth quickly moved to the ignition and said, “Here, I’ll turn on the heater for you!”

  “NO!” she said a little harsher than she intended as her hand quickly moved to his, generating an overwhelming shock between them - suddenly she wasn’t cold.

  “She’ll notice us right away, you can’t turn on the car.” she said in a near whisper.

  Seth quickly removed his jacket, placing it around her shoulders but didn’t let go. Instead, he pulled the jacket closer bringing her with it.

  “Well then here…wear this.”

  A mere whisper was all she had as the close proximity left her breathless, “Thank you.”

  He took her mouth, gentle and soft tempting her with his tongue. She let him in, hardening their kiss as she began to explore his mouth. Seth was sweet, a gentleman, offering her more and more but patiently waiting for her to accept and take them to the next level. Not knowing where her boundaries lay and where those potential limits left them, he cautiously advanced his offer to more with each touch. He held her head in his hands and stroked her face with the pads of his thumbs as he deepened their kiss trying to show her what he couldn’t put into words.

  With each deep stroke of his tongue he showed her how deeply his feelings were for her, while each tug of her bottom lip between his teeth revealed how far he’d go for her. Gentle caring strokes of his thumbs were to show her how careful he would be with her heart. He wasn’t one for words – no, she left him speechless. He couldn’t put all that she provoked into words, even if he could find them, she always left him speechless.

  His hands made their way down her neck, his trailing kisses followed. He left her breathless as he unbuttoned her top ever so slowly. The heat on this chilly night had her sitting sideways to relieve the pressure that slowly built from his every touch. Peppered kisses along her collar bone caused her head to fall back as he nipped and bit at her shoulders before he continued his descent finally making it to the curve of her breasts while his hands worked their way up and down her sides.

  She felt for the hem of his shirt, tugging at it so she could find the warm smooth skin that her hands craved to touch. She traced the hills and valleys of his hard muscular physique creating an entirely new craving. Molly wanted a taste of that. She let out a breathy gasp of surprise that was drenched in desire when she felt him free her breast and begin his lavish onslaught of pleasure.

  Overwhelmed by the sensations moving over her body, and the warmth collecting in her most personal place, she got lost in him. She forgot where she was, caring only about who she was with, wanting more of him in every way. She pushed out her chest encouraging him to take more and let her legs fall slightly open inviting more of what he was offering.

  His hand drifted low, sliding up and down her inner thigh, eventually landing higher and higher each stroke before finding the source of the heat she was emitting. He stopped only briefly, looking at her, searching for his next move. He wasn’t done with her, but an act so intimate wasn’t assumed, it needed her assent.

  Her slight nod and subtle grin before winding her hands through his hair to pull his mouth to hers was all he needed. Understanding what this meant caused his heart to swell. She felt something for him, wanted him even, but more important, she trusted him.

  His confidence grew, as did other things, while pulling himself closer to her. Seth’s SUV was good sized, but it didn’t make for an easy conquest. That would have to wait for another time when slow and easy wasn’t due to a gear shift and center console. He was satisfied with tonight’s escapades, as is. Molly wasn’t a cheap and easy car lay – she was a wine and dine her all night kind of woman. Tonight was just an invitation, he would show her what he had for her, how much he cared for her, and desired her, but most importantly that he was waiting for her.

  Her breathing became shallower with every stroke and glide over her folds. Her sharp gasps quickened into pants as his pace quickened. Greedily, she lifted her hips, moving against his hand, fingers gliding in and out as his thumb added pressure to her bundle of nerves. He felt her core tighten around him as he pulled at her swollen nipple with his teeth bringing her to a quaking finish that had her come down around him while she screamed his name.

  He kissed her gently, he kissed her sweetly while she slowly relaxed into her seat, her breathing quieted and slowed. A loud bang on the window had them both jumping in place, quickly tugging at her clothes to cover her. Panic ran thought them when another knock hit the window behind Seth.

  Assuming it was the Sherriff, their faces paled when a voice rang out, “Who’s in there, what’s going on in there?”

  Nora Kinkaid.

  Startled by her intrusion they were grateful for the cool fall night, and the heat they must’ve generated – foggy windows - it gave them the privacy
they needed to quickly get back in order. Seth turned the key to the ignition powering the windows before pushing his button letting his down only half way.

  “Miss. Kinkaid…” he said calmly

  “I heard a scream, what on earth is goin’ on in there?” She asked while bobbing her head around trying to see around Seth, “I have the Sherriff on speed dial, ya know!”

  Seth cleared his throat and offered an eye roll, “I don’t doubt that.”

  “Who is that behind you?!?” Nora snapped in a pitchy tone, “Ms. Sexton? I should’ve known!”

  Nora shined her cell phone flashlight in the window blinding them during her interrogation, “This is a good wholesome family town. We attract a fine array of guests. Canoodling after dark in a parking lot like a couple of horny teenagers doesn’t bode well around here! I suggest you find a more…discreet location for your…indiscretions!”

  “Oh, it’s not what you think.” Molly chimed, eyes wide knowing full well what was to come of this…Facebook.

  “It’s exactly what I think! Your buttons are crooked, dear!” Nora deadpanned, shaking her head as she walked away.

  “Wait!! Molly hollered, gaining an ‘are you crazy’ look from Seth.

  Nora turned slowly and raised an eyebrow, waiting for what Molly had to say.

  “Where were you just now?”

  A look of shock and offense crossed the old woman’s face as if disgusted by such a question, “Well that’s none of your business!”

  Then she was gone.

  Stunned, the couple sat in silence watching Nora Kinkaid’s tail lights fade in the distance.

  Nora one, Seth and Molly zero!

  CHAPTER 6

  Reading Grounds was Seth’s first stop the next morning before heading to the fire station for his next shift. He worked 48 hours on, 72 hours off at a time; Molly found herself a little disappointed when she saw him in his uniform ready for work. It meant she likely wouldn’t see him for a few days at the shop and would have to go to the station if she wanted to see him.